17/03/2024

Since December 2023 the Scottish Borders Council has progressed the following aspects:-

• WSP, external consulting engineers have been commissioned and are progressing through the design for the replacement and renewal of all timber elements on the bridge.
  
  
• Expression of Interest Forms for external grant funding to assist with the refurbishment works have been prepared and submitted to Historic Environment Scotland (HES) and Heritage Lottery Grant Fund (HLGF). Initial positive replies have been received from both parties and once more detail of refurbishment works are prepared, further discussions will be required as part of the formal bid process.
  
  
• In relation to the above future discussions with these external funding bodies SBC have spoken with Conservation Accredited advisors who will hopefully be able to assist with these more detailed discussions with HES and HLGF. Procurement of these advisors will hopefully be concluded soon.
  
  
• SBC road teams have undertaken various drainage works recently on roads leading to / from Kalemouth Suspension Br, including clearing of gully gratings at the old railway bridge (Old Ormiston) and re-cutting of road ditches / installation of piped offlets on the approach to Roxburgh. Several other sections of road have been highlighted for ‘wet weather surveys’ to investigate drainage issues further.
  
  
• General signage maintenance has been undertaken around the bridge to replace / repair damaged signs whilst the more permanent signage strategy is progressed as part of the major bridge refurbishment works.