North-west Sutherland residents petition against delays to reconstruction of 'unsafe' Naver bridge
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Residents in north-west Sutherland are calling on Highland Council to reverse its decision to delay the replacement of a lifeline bridge.
A number of residents in Bettyhill have set up a petition in an attempt to pressure the local authority into prioritising the new Naver Bridge crossing.
The 142-year-old bridge had been due to be replaced with a new three-span bridge over a period of 22 months, at a cost of £8.7 million.
Ground investigation work had already been carried out last year and the job was due to go out to tender in March, but the project was then deferred for another year.
A public contract notice released by Highland Council on March 21 stated that the project had been pushed back due to “insufficient allowance in the capital programme budget for the construction of the project”.
Highland Council representatives say the bridge remains in a serviceable condition, and it can continue to be used until a replacement structure is in place.
But residents say the bridge, which crosses the River Naver near Bettyhill on the main A836 road, is in a dilapidated state and fears are growing that it could endanger life.
Many also say that any closure of the bridge could result in major disruption to businesses and traffic along the North Coast 500 route. Traffic over the bridge has increased dramatically in recent years as NC500 visitor numbers have risen, combined with building works in Tongue.
The only alternative route is a 64-mile detour via Strathnaver and Strath Halladale.
Bettyhill native Murdo Gordon said: “You don’t have to be an engineer to see that the bridge is in a very poor condition. The metal work is completely corroded, the tar is broken up and the stonework is falling to pieces.
“I do not feel safe crossing it in a car and I certainly wouldn’t feel safe crossing it in a fully laden lorry. The bridge is an accident waiting to happen, and if it does, then someone should be held criminally responsible.”
Local couple Jim and Jakki Mackenzie added: “Unfortunately, the current bridge is in desperate need of replacement and if action is not taken soon, our community will be cut off from the west.
“This bridge is used continually as it is part of the main A836 and is used by local residents and also tourists alongside a lot of commercial traffic, which highlights the need for it to be replaced.”
Highland MSP Maree Todd, who plans to visit Naver Bridge next Friday, August 4, said: “I have previously written to Highland Council concerning Naver Bridge and was informed that, although there was widespread surface corrosion, the bridge had not significantly deteriorated.
“According to the council’s assessment, the bridge remains in a serviceable condition, and it can continue to be used until a replacement structure is in place.
“I appreciate that the community has expressed concerns around the safety of the bridge, and I acknowledge and fully sympathise with their disappointment over the delay to the replacement project.
“It’s crucial that the community is reassured over its continued use and are confident that the project to replace the bridge will go ahead without further delay.
“I have arranged to meet with community representatives at the bridge next week to discuss this further.”
