The repair bill for a collapsed Perthshire bridge could top £1 million, it has emerged.
The estimate was revealed as local authorities across Scotland count the cost of the devastating storms that have lashed the country in the last few months.
The crossing over the Black Water at Bleaton Hallet was ripped from its foundations at the end of the year. The structure near Bridge of Cally provides a vital link between the A93 and Alyth.
Perth and Kinross Council now plans to remove the 82ft deck and replace it with a new crossing, although it is not yet clear how the project will be funded.
Blairgowrie councillor Caroline Shiers said the total bill for the region is likely to be “substantial”.
She added: “Perth and Kinross Council officers have worked extremely hard to address the damage to the roads infrastructure and I welcome the commitment to replacement of the Bleaton Hallet Bridge.
“The details of the engineering works required to remove the bridge and construct a new one are complex and the early estimates are expensive but this is a well used route to homes and businesses in the Blackwater and through to Drumderg and Alyth area.”
A council spokeswoman said: “Following severe weather conditions on December 30, the east abutment of Bleaton Hallet Bridge was washed away by the volume and force of water flow in the Black Water.
“This caused the end of the existing bridge deck to drop three metres below the adjacent road level, and this is resting on rocks at present. As a result of this drop, the existing 25m span bridge deck has twisted and is so badly damaged it is considered not fit for re-use.
“Therefore the council’s priorities are firstly to remove the damaged bridge deck and install a new bridge across the Black Water.”
She added: “This will be a complex project to undertake due to the constraints of the site.
“It is hoped potentially to remove the existing bridge deck by the end of April 2016, with the programme for the replacement bridge still being looked at. Early estimates for overall project costs are in the region of £1m.
“A further update will be provided once details of the works are finalised. In the meantime, the council would like to take this opportunity to thank affected residents and road users for their patience whilst these essential repairs are carried out.”