Decision on partial Kirkcudbright Bridge re-opening expected by May 16
A newly-introduced temporary traffic regulation order could be in place for six months.
A decision on whether to allow some vehicles to use Kirkcudbright Bridge is expected by the end of the week.
The crossing has been closed to all traffic since late March after engineering experts raised serious concerns about its condition.
Dumfries and Galloway Council has now introduced a temporary traffic regulation order (TTRO) which could be in place for six months.
And as it nears the end its review of engineering experts Mott MacDonald's study of the bridge, it is looking into re-opening the near 100-year old crossing for single file traffic.
The latest update to the council's dedicated Kirkcudbright Bridge webpage states: 'The full assessment report is being reviewed, and a further update on the findings and outcomes of this assessment report will be completed by Friday, May 16.
'This will include any short-term options being considered for the bridge.
'We fully understand the importance of Kirkcudbright Bridge to the community and the council is considering all options available in the short, medium and long-term.
'Crucially, in the short-term, council officers continue to work to determine whether it is safe to re-open the bridge for single-lane use by cars and vans only, with traffic control management restrictions in place.
'If this is not possible the bridge will remain closed. The safety of members of the public is Dumfries and Galloway Council's number-one priority.
'The council is also considering medium-and long-term options for this important river crossing. One of the long-term options is the design and installation of a new bridge.'
The TTRO was introduced at the end of last week and could run for six months.
The webpage adds: 'The implementation of the TTRO is normal practice and is a statutory requirement following the emergency closure notice. The TTRO will be in place for up to six months.'
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