A75 bridge lift completed

Beams supporting a new bridge over the £17.1 million Dunragit bypass in Scotland were lifted into place at the weekend.

The road bridge runs over the Glasgow-Stranraer railway line and the project saw eight 40m long beams assembled in pairs before a 1,000 tonne mobile crane, one of the largest available in the UK, lifted the units into position.

Speaking after the lift, Transport Minister Keith Brown said: “A high quality transport system is vital to the economic prosperity not just for businesses and communities along the length of this road, but for Scotland as a whole. The £17.1 million Dunragit bypass scheme continues our investment in improving connectivity through the south of Scotland, including to and from the Loch Ryan ferry ports, providing a boost for business, leisure and the tourism industries.”

The contractor, RJ McLeod working in partnership with Network Rail planned the bridge lift to avoid disruption to railway passengers.

Work will now get underway on completing the bridge deck.

On completion next year the Dunragit bypass will provide guaranteed overtaking opportunities in both east and westbound directions, removing traffic from Dunragit village, avoid height restrictions at the Challoch railway bridge; and provide better facilities for the needs of cyclists and pedestrians.