Clyde Bridge, which is on Pettinain Road, south of Carstairs Junction, had to be closed in late 2018 after significant defects were picked up during regular testing.

The council repeatedly committed to replacing the bridge, despite unavoidable delays, including protracted negotiations to purchase necessary land and, most recently, when the winner of an earlier tender process decided not to proceed with the project.

Council leader Joe Fagan said the council’s determination to work through these issues showed that it stuck to its promises.

Councillor Fagan said: “I am delighted we can now look forward to a new Clyde Bridge being built, which will reinstate an important part of our road network and see the end of what is an inconvenient diversion for road users.

“It has been a particularly frustrating time for the local people who would use the bridge most frequently, and the council has shared their frustration.

“Changing market conditions and rising costs was undoubtedly a big factor in the unsuccessful conclusion of the most recent tender process, earlier this year. I think it shows our commitment to supporting our communities that the council has been able to get the project back on track.”

The council has given authority to award the contract and that decision was reported to the Executive Committee at its meeting today. If the tender process concludes as intended, work could begin on the replacement bridge in early 2023 and could be completed in one year.