Finlathen Viaduct in Dundee has re-opened to the public following a £1 million restoration project spanning three years.
Part of the landmark footbridge crumbled due to water saturation in the summer of 2019.
It was shut suddenly in July 2019 after a bulge appeared in a section of the wall.
But following torrential rain just weeks later, the southern section crumbled into an embankment below.
The 13-arch bridge was restored over two phases between 2019 and 2022.
Despite being unsafe to use, locals feared some people were still crossing the unstable bridge while it was closed.
Some residents said the closure added up to half an hour onto their daily commutes.
Finlathen Viaduct restored after water damage
Dundee Plant Co Ltd reconstructed and refurbished the 80m length of the bridge, including pointing of all stonework and improved surfacing.
The viaduct, which is around 175 years old, passes over Finlathen Park and connects the communities of Fintry and Linlathen.
Records show that the 152m structure was put up by the Dundee Water Company between 1846 and 1847.
It carried the first water pipeline from Monikie over the Dighty valley to the Stobsmuir Reservoir, next to Stobswell Ponds in Dundee.
It was originally covered with turf to keep the pipes cool in the summer and above freezing in winter.
By the middle of the 20th century it was converted into a footpath with tarmac after Fintry residents asked for a route over the burn.
‘Restored to its former glory’
Convener of the city development committee Mark Flynn said: “This major project has restored what is a much-loved and well used local landmark to its former glory.
“We wanted to be sure that that the bridge’s structure was sound along its entire length, so after phase one was successfully carried out to the south of the Dighty, a second phase tackling the north of the burn was agreed.”
Steven Rome, depute convener of the city development committee added: “It is great to see this much-used bridge reopened and restored to its former glory.”
