A new bridge reconnecting communities in an East Ayrshire town has been opened.
The Waterhaughs footbridge in Darvel crosses the River Irvine and has been installed by the Ayrshire Roads Alliance (ARA).
Dating back to the 1940s, the former half-through Warren Truss steel footbridge had reached the end of its natural life.
It was an important feature given it spanned the river, providing access to rural walks and the Irvine Valley countryside.
ARA chiefs worked closely with the local community on their plans for the new crossing – and have installed a half-through Howie Truss footbridge, utilising the existing abutments.
Irvine Valley councillor Sally Cogley, George Gardiner of Darvel & District Community Council, head of Ayrshire Roads Alliance Kevin Braidwood and project manager Alan Ierland – with his dog Scully – took the chance to view the new bridge.
Councillor Jim McMahon, cabinet member for community safety, roads and transport and community cohesion, said: “The council’s bridge improvement programme, which is delivered by the Ayrshire Roads Alliance, is an important part of our annual multi-million pound improvement programme.
"Footbridges connect communities and also ensure that local people have access to our beautiful rural countryside.
“I am really pleased that the new footbridge is now in place and I would like to thank the local community for their patience throughout the installation process.
"I would also like to thank the Ayrshire Roads Alliance and our main contractor, for their hard work, ensuring that the project was completed as quickly as possible for the people of Darvel.”
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