WORK is under way to strengthen a bridge in Cowal.

Kilbridemore Bridge at Glendruel will also be widened to allow larger vehicles to use it.

The work will increase the bridge’s current three-tonne maximum gross weight (MGW) to the maximum of 40 tonnes.

The road – at the north end of the U022 – will be closed for the majority of the work, which is due to be completed by December.

Policy Lead for Road and Amenity Services, Councillor Roddy McCuish, said: “These are much-need improvement works and will make a real difference to residents and businesses.

“It will massively increase the weight capacity and the widening will allow bigger vehicles to manoeuvre more easily.

“We’ll provide updates on the work as it progresses between now and completion, scheduled for mid December.

“I’d like to thank members of the public for their co-operation and understanding while this important work is done.”

The work will mean the bridge will be able to take heavy goods vehicles such as timber lorries. Most bridges are now designed to take 40 to 44 tonnes as standard.

It is part of the council’s wider bridge strengthening programme, which is strengthening bridges that have a limit of under 40 tonnes, which will allow unrestricted movement of transport on Argyll and Bute’s roads network.