NEW BRIDGE IN PLACE

Submitted by Editor on Tue, 12/06/2012 - 11:45

A replacement footbridge crossing the Water of Leith at Bell Place was lowered into position by crane this morning, prompting sighs of satisfaction (and relief) from engineers as it made an inch-perfect touchdown.

Flood defence contractors Lagan had earlier joked with locals about  preferring to install the structure at night in case it didn't fit first time.

The elegantly cambered bridge was manufactured in Carrickfergus by steel fabrication specialists Woodburn Engineering.

The Northern Irish company is probably better known to most Broughtonians for its popular range of peat-harvesting vacuum extraction and aeration equipment.

Until now, Stockbridge residents wanting to cross from the colonies to the Rocheid Path had been without a convenient connection since the rickety old wooden bridge was taken down 12 months ago.

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In the interim, some have made lengthy detours, whilst in Olympic year others have resorted to less conventional methods.

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Reaction on Twitter

Bell Place Bridge has arrived! coming off the low loader in next half hour

Pleasure.Though for "rickety old,,,," residents suggest "historic & sympathetically rustic...." We were fond of it!