Historic Cantray bridge re-opened.
Cantray Bridge near Croy re-opened to traffic yesterday (18 Dec) as contractors Coffey Construction completed refurbishment works early. The bridge was due to be re-opened at the end of the year.
The £67,000 contract included strengthening the bridge by installing a steel bracing to the central span. In addition, safety fencing has been erected to protect the masonry parapet walls.
Cantray Bridge is a three span masonry arch bridge which carries the U1169 road over the River Nairn near Croy. It was closed to all vehicular traffic in January 2011, following an inspection which revealed serious deformation and outward leaning of a central span wall.
The bridge is now accessible to vehicles, cyclists and pedestrians only, with a 3-tonne weight limit and a 7 foot 6 inch width restriction.
Cantray Bridge was built in 1774 by a local landowner, David Davidson. Records indicate that it was replaced, at least in part, around 1850. Steel tie bars and bracing were added to the spandrels above the northern span in 1958. The bridge was designated as a category B listed building in 1971. Steel tie bars and bracing were added to the southern span in 1989. The bridge was assessed in 2001 and restricted to 17 tonnes gross vehicle weight.