A bridge at a popular Dunkeld beauty spot and hiking route has been closed off to the public after it was damaged by a lorry.
Rumbling Bridge at the Hermitage was closed off to the public earlier this week after further inspections from Perth and Kinross Council deemed it unsafe.
The damage was inflicted on Wednesday when a lorry tried to travel across, causing significant damage to the stone crossing point.
According to the council, it is likely that the bridge will deteriorate even further if used again.
Further collapse likely
A spokesman said: “Perth and Kinross Council have done further inspections on Rumbling bridge following the damage caused by the lorry on Wednesday 4th.
“The damage extends below the road level and further collapse of the remaining damaged parapet is likely.
“Any further failure is unpredictable and could take sections of the road with it. On this basis we have decided that we must unfortunately close it to pedestrians and cyclists as well as vehicles.
“We will focus on completing the works at Newton bridge and getting this fully open before returning to Rumbling bridge.”
Despite this, walkers have been seen shirking the rules and using the bridge anyway.
Speed limit on Newton Bridge
The nearby Newton Bridge has also seen restrictions recently due to ongoing road works.
A temporary surface has been placed on the crossing, and while it has been deemed safe for use, a 5mph speed limit has been put in place.
The council spokesman added: “Newton bridge now has a compacted gravel surface with road mats and has been assessed as safe for all vehicles to use.
“This includes cars, vans, oil vehicles, tractors and trailers and lorries if necessary.
“However, given that the temporary surface is much less robust than the normal tar surfacing, firstly we would ask that everyone observes a 5mph speed across it and where possible if any journeys or deliveries can be delayed until after the works are complete then that would be appreciated.
“The contractor still has to complete the repair works and this includes finishing the heavy parapet copes, removing the scaffolding, and crucially, resurfacing the bridge; at the same time as allowing access for vehicles.
“At the moment the road is passable at all times although drivers may experience delays of up to 10 or 15 mins depending on the task the contractor is working on.
“However we understand that not knowing if there will be a delay is frustrating.
“We are looking into whether we can set fixed periods of each day such as lunchtime, when the contractor can guarantee passage without delay.
“I will give a further update if appropriate.
“We are doing all we can to work around these latest challenges and ensure access is available to the local properties. Thanks again for your patience during these works.”