East Beach Bridge
The East Beach Bridge is a footbridge which crosses the River Lossie and connects Lossiemouth to the East Beach. The present bridge was opened in 2022 and replaced an older structure.
History
The bridge was closed in July 2019 after an inspection. Members of the public had raised concerns that it was leaning to one side. The council blamed the deterioration of the structure on the large number of people using the bridge The closure of the bridge resulted in a three mile diversion to reach the beach via Lossiemouth forest car park and Arthur's bridge.[1]
In September 2019, it was announced that the Scottish Government would fund a new bridge.[2] In August 2021, planning permission was given.[3] The new bridge opened in May 2022.[4] The old bridge was dismantled in June 2022.[5]
Design
The replacement bridge was designed and manufactured by Beaver Bridges of Glasgow and cost £1.8 million.[6] The construction was funded by the Scottish Government however ongoing maintenance costs are covered by the council. It is approximately 75 metres (246 feet) long.[3]
References
- "Lossiemouth's East Beach evacuated after safety concerns". BBC News. 2019-07-25. Retrieved 2022-09-03.
- "Lossiemouth beach bridge to be funded by Scottish government". BBC News. 2019-09-03. Retrieved 2022-09-03.
- "Lossiemouth's long-awaited £1.8m beach footbridge approved". BBC News. 2021-08-03. Retrieved 2022-09-03.
- "New £1.8m Lossiemouth bridge reopens beach access". BBC News. 2022-05-31. Retrieved 2022-09-03.
- "WATCH: Wooden bridge to East beach dismantled – parts could be available to community". Northern Scot. 2022-06-11. Retrieved 2022-09-03.
- Quirie, Craig (2021-08-03). "Green light for new £1.8m bridge at Lossiemouth East Beach". Project Scotland. Retrieved 2022-09-03.