KINCARDINE Bridge will continue to “play a key role” in West Fife’s transport network after the completion of a £2.3 million improvement scheme.

But Transport Scotland, who worked closely with trunk road company Amey to complete the four-year programme of work to waterproof and resurface the crossing, have outlined further maintenance to begin in 2021.

Since 2015, 14 joint-to-joint spans of the bridge, which opened in 1936, have been refurbished, there has also been concrete repairs, the replacement of the deck waterproofing system, the installation of new expansion joins and carriageway resurfacing.

Transport chiefs say the work has “ensured the continued safe and reliable operation of one of the major links across the Forth” to extend its working life but, as it prepares to enter its eighth-decade, further maintenance is planned.

It includes the replacement of the southern piled viaduct; bridge re-painting; widening of the footways; and repairs to the concrete piers, with measures to be put in place to minimise delays to the public.

Cameron Gair, head of major bridges at Transport Scotland, said: “This significant investment will ensure the Kincardine Bridge continues to provide motorists with a safe and reliable link across the River Forth.

“We would like to thank the travelling public for their patience as these essential works were carried out, and commend staff at Amey for delivering the programme despite some of the challenges that come with Scotland’s weather.

“We are committed to ensuring this landmark crossing continues to play a key role in our trunk road network for years to come.”

Tom Wallace, account manager for the Scottish South East Trunk Roads Unit, added: “We are grateful for the co-operation, patience and support we have had from the local community, Kincardine Community Council, the emergency services, and other key stakeholders in ensuring this complex and extensive maintenance scheme has been delivered on time.

“Despite challenges presented by Scotland’s weather, and major incidents such as the closure of the Forth Road Bridge in December 2015, this work has progressed steadily and without significant delays.”