West Lothian Council invested £2.4 million on the major project to replace the old bridge, which had reached the end of its lifespan.

The large-scale project took over a year to finish and was delayed by a few months after all building work was stopped due to the COVID-19 outbreak in March.

In line with government guidance, contractor RJ McLeod resumed work with physical distancing measures in place to complete the project once building work was permitted.

Executive councillor for development and transport, Cathy Muldoon, said: “I’m delighted that the £2.4 million replacement Skolie Burn Bridge is now completed.

“The new bridge is a key transport link between the communities of Addiewell and Loganlea, and it’s fantastic to see this huge investment in local infrastructure complete and already being well-used.

“Thanks to the local community for their patience and understanding in the last year while the essential work was ongoing.”

Executive councillor for environment, Tom Conn, added: “It was a huge and complex project to build a replacement Skolie Burn Bridge, and I’m pleased to see it has been successfully completed.

“The impressive new bridge has a design life of 120 years, so will be used by generations of Addiewell and Loganlea residents for many years to come.”

The complex project involved building a temporary replacement bridge, so access could be maintained, removing the old bridge and building a permanent bridge.

Additional landscaping and tree planting will be carried out around the bridge in the autumn.

RJ McLeod (Contractors) Ltd agent Ian Midgley added: “The Skolie Burn Bridge replacement has been uniquely challenging, requiring construction of three bridges and demolition of one, all in a small area.

“The successful delivery of this project is in no small part down to the positive working relationship between West Lothian Council, AECOM and RJ McLeod, for which RJ McLeod are grateful.”