Update 8 October 2025
The proposed Strengthening Works of the B842-010 Claonaig Bridge are due to commence in March 2026. Works are currently programmed to start week commencing 2 March 2026 for seven weeks, rescheduled from October 2025.
The Claonaig Water Bridge is a single 9.9m span masonry arch bridge that carries the B842 road over Claonaig Water. Inspections of the structure and an associated assessment identified that strengthening works are required for the structure to function safely and as intended. Temporary works had been carried out in the past to provide support to the existing spandrel/wing walls but are not effective as a long-term solution. Infrastructure Design applied for and received funding through the Scottish Government’s Local Bridge Maintenance Fund to strengthen or replace nine bridges within Argyll and Bute, which included Claonaig Bridge. The proposed work includes installing spandrel ties through the structure to provide better support to the bulging spandrel walls, kerbing, resurfacing, general masonry repairs and drainage work to reduce surface water and bridge strikes on the structure.
The previous TTRO has been cancelled and a new TTRO will be in place from the beginning of March 2026 to the end of May 2026. This does not mean that the road will be closed during the entirety of that period, it is standard procedure for TTROs to be in place over the entire construction period for these types of works as it would allow a road closure should an emergency occur. The contractor currently plans to only use two night-time road closures to facilitate resurfacing works towards the end of the construction period, anticipated to be week commencing 6th of April 2026. Road closures will be indicated by advanced road signage and updates will be provided on the Argyll and Bute Council website when works commence on site and exact dates can be confirmed. Traffic management will be in place throughout the works for the safety of the workforce. Access for emergency vehicles will also be maintained throughout.
16 September 2025
Works planned for the B842-010 Claonaig Bridge currently has a TTRO in place from 13 October 2025. These works have been rescheduled to commence March 2026, to deal with logistical challenges, and we will update the TTRO to reflect the new start date.
Works are proposed for the Strengthening of the B842-010 Claonaig Bridge. To carry out these works, the Council’s contractor requires a site compound area adjacent to the structure. These are the options available to us which will allow us to carry out the works:
- Option 1: Position a site compound within adjacent landowners’ field, with associated fee for the licence to occupy land during the shooting season, this includes two night closures.
- Option 2: Close the B842 over Claonaig Bridge for seven weeks, which will allow the contractor to set up the site compound on the road. This will incur no cost to the Council but will cause disruption to local road users.
- Option 3: Move the works to March of 2026, with minimal costs associated with the licence to occupy and includes two night closures.
After fully assessing the various options, it has been decided that given the high cost of Option 1 and the disruption to the local community that would result from Option 2, Infrastructure Design will progress with Option 3. We anticipate works will start week commencing 2 March 2026. A TTRO was put in place to ensure the current programme of works could progress with a road closure if required week commencing 13 October 2025 for seven weeks. Since we are progressing with Option 3, the TTRO will now be cancelled and re-applied for works to commence in March 2026.
As we are progressing with Option 3, we anticipate only having two night closures for surfacing works. It is standard procedure for TTROs to be in place over the entire construction period for these types of works as it would allow a road closure should an emergency occur. Road closures will be indicated by advanced road signage and updated on the Argyll and Bute Council website. Access for emergency vehicles will be always maintained.
