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Fears have been expressed over the future of Kirkcudbright’s bridge.
A civil engineer believes there are “serious issues” with the crossing, which has needed several repairs in recent years.
And they also have “huge worries” about the damage being caused by farm vehicles and lorries ignoring the bridge’s 17 tonne weight limit.
The engineer, who asked not to be named, said: “The bridge has had major refurbishment work carried out on at least three occasions. My professional opinion following the most recent refurbishment was that the bridge was nearing the end of its useful life and replacement was required.
“My concerns are that vehicles over the assessed capacity are routinely crossing the bridge which is clearly unsafe and will further overstress the structure.
“Clearly the existing restrictions aren’t preventing overweight vehicles from using the bridge.
“When temporary traffic lights were installed on the bridge recently, the risk of two overweight vehicles being on the bridge at the same time was removed although the traffic lights didn’t prevent overweight vehicles in one direction.
“I understand that the council is having the bridge reassessed and it is likely that the assessed capacity will be lower than the current 17 tonnes. In order to protect the bridge and to prolong its useful life there needs to be a much more proactive approach to enforcing the current restriction.
“Failing that, permanent traffic lights or a 7.5 tonnes weight restriction may be required.”
When previous repair work led to the bridge being closed, traffic had to take lengthy detours.
In the past, it was used by tankers making their way to and from Kirkcudbright Creamery, which closed in 2010.
The engineer added: “The bridge was assessed as having a capacity of 17 tonnes with only one such vehicle on the bridge at any time.
“A weigh in motion system was installed to prevent two 17 tonne vehicles travelling in opposite directions being on the bridge at the same time.
“The weigh in motion system has not been a success because it is not understood by drivers and when the red lights flash they are routinely ignored. The ‘weak bridge’ sign is also routinely ignored.”
A council spokesman said: “Currently there are no repair works planned to the bridge in Kirkcudbright. A principal inspection and assessment of the structure is programmed this year.”