THERE is ‘no immediate cause for concern’ over the erosion under Tweed Bridge – according to Scottish Borders Council.

At Thursday’s meeting of Peebles Community Council, members were told that SBC is monitoring the situation, after questions were raised over the state of the bridge last September.

The bridge is currently the only vehicular crossing of the Tweed in Peebles. The most recent study, in 2011, showed traffic was peaking at around 970 vehicles per hour.

Scottish Borders Council this week said: “During November 2016, a meeting was held following concerns raised regarding a small area of blockwork to the lower level of one the bridge piers.

“The area of concern was subsequently assessed and deemed that no immediate repair works were necessary.

“It was confirmed that a significant underpinning exercise had recently been completed to the bridge pier in question, which would have stabilised the area. The re-setting of any stonework will be considered for possible inclusion within future planned programmes of works.

“It is expected that Tweed Bridge will be inspected during 2017/18.”
Plans for 200 houses on a 21 hectare site off Kingsmeadows Road were unveiled last August.

These sparked concerns over whether the Tweed Bridge could cope with the extra traffic. 

However, agents for developers AWG and Taylor Wimpey insist there is capacity for more vehicles .

In September 2011, the Peeblesshire News reported that a crack in Tweed Bridge forced Scottish Borders Council to deploy specialist divers.

In 2012, a team took the plunge into the river to examine a crack in the central column below the water line. The crack was believed to be a result of erosion.

Plans have already been approved by Scottish Borders Council for £18.3 million of capital investment for a second bridge. 

Construction is due to begin in 2022/23 and should be completed the following year.