Argyll and Bute Council’s £425,000 project to replace the Soroba Lane Bridge in Oban to start on Monday 3 March for a period of 12 weeks.

The project will see the existing bridge, which is shared by both road traffic and pedestrians, replaced with a new road bridge and a separate, brand new, footbridge.

The current steel bridge is no longer serviceable, with some sections rusted through. The new road bridge will be wider, making it better able to accommodate the buses that regularly use the bridge.

As well as the replacement of the road bridge, the project will also see the construction of a new footbridge.

The new design has a strong focus on public safety, separating pedestrians from the traffic.

The footbridge, which is being fabricated off site, will be installed prior to work on the road bridge to ensure maximum pedestrian access.

When the new footbridge is being lowered in to place by crane, in the interests of public safety, Soroba Lane will need to be closed.

The council will notify the public in advance of any closures, putting signs up in and around the area.

After consulting with local businesses, and taking in to account the use of the bridge by pupils from Oban High School during lunchtimes, the council will ensure that any full closures of the bridge are after 2pm. It is hoped that this approach will minimise disruption to the trade of local businesses. 

The council has commissioned Argyll based construction firm MacFadyens to carry out the work.

During the works the Soroba Lane, from its junction with Lochside Street, will be closed to motor vehicles, with traffic diverted via Lochside Street, Market Street, Soroba Road and Lynn Road.  

There will be a temporary bus stop on Lochavullin Road.