Council struggles to safety check its 1,500 bridges
BBCA council has outlined the scale of its struggle to meet structural and safety compliance checks for the 1,500 bridges in its area.
The local authority in Dumfries and Galloway said the majority of its team dedicated to carrying out inspections had been tied up for some time with the emergency closure of Kirkcudbright Bridge last year.
A backlog has since piled up which has also been blamed on staff shortages and the Covid pandemic.
However, the council said it hoped its inspection programme would be up to date during 2026/27.
A report on the matter will be presented to councillors at a meeting of the economy and infrastructure committee next week.
It said: "The inspection and maintenance of bridges and structures across the region was impacted by staff shortages and the Covid pandemic and therefore the cycle for inspections and regular maintenance was disrupted.
"Since this time the team have been progressing work to ensure compliance of our statutory duties.
"It is anticipated that the service will be up to date on its general (every two years) and principal (every six years) inspection programme during 2026/27."
The report said its team faced significant challenges managing a large number of "ageing assets" while staffing levels reduced.
As of the last review update in November 2025, 73% of general/principal inspections had been completed.
The council is now being forced to seek external specialist support to address non-compliance with regulations.
As part of the external review of the region's bridges, a review of its bridges and structures team will also be carried out "to ensure it is fit for purpose in the modern times".
That is expected to be completed by June, with any recommendations and next steps to be presented to councillors at the economy and infrastructure committee.
