Deterioration of joints in the original structure meant the old Burnshot Bridge had to be taken down in November 2017.

Although design work on a replacement bridge continued following demolition of the old structure, it was uncertain when funding might be available to construct a new bridge.

Subject to approval at the council meeting on February 22, it has been confirmed that approximately £3 million from additional investment into the council’s Roads Capital Investment programme will be spent over the course of the next two years on replacing this vital link.

Councillor Lesley Macinnes, transport and environment convener, said: “I’m very pleased we’ve been able to allocate funding to replace Burnshot Bridge, which was and will be again a much-used route for vehicles as well as pedestrians and cyclists.

“I’d like to thank the local community and bridge users for their patience while this project is ongoing, and for their responses to our current consultation about proposals for the new structure. I have been in discussions with local ward councillors, and in particular Cllr Norman Work, to find a way forward. We have been working hard for many months to progress this project, and I am pleased that we can now move forward with it.

“All being well, we’d anticipate work starting on the new bridge in the autumn. We’ll endeavour to keep disruption to a minimum and will provide updates about the project in the run-up to work going ahead.”