Dumfries and Galloway Council has published an independent review of its bridges and structures, identifying gaps in inspections, assessments, records and planning.
Councillors on the Economy and Infrastructure Committee will discuss the findings and improvement work on 3 November.
They will also be asked to agree that a further committee report should explain progress, the staff and funding needed and proposals for managing the council’s bridges and structures in the longer term.
Information on the council’s management of its bridges and structures was reported to the Economy and Infrastructure Committee in November 2025.
In March 2026, the committee considered staffing and workload pressures in the council’s Bridges and Structures team and was advised that an independent review would be commissioned.
Improvement work has already started and the council has drawn up a plan to address the review’s recommendations.
Additional inspectors are supporting the team and a Chartered Senior Bridge Engineer is leading a structural review programme that identifies where structural assessments are needed and the order of priority.
Work is also underway to improve inspection records and procedures and provide specialist training for staff.
Across Dumfries and Galloway, the council is responsible for 1558 structures, including 687 road bridges, as well as footbridges, culverts, retaining walls and a weir.
The council commissioned engineering and infrastructure consultancy Jacobs to independently assess how the council manages its bridges and structures and recommend improvements.
The review assessed the council’s approach against the Scottish Collaboration of Transportation Specialists (SCOTS) Asset Management Framework and relevant national standards, drawing on inspection data dating back to 2017/18.
Jacobs found that the council has adopted the framework’s principles and understands its responsibilities as a local roads authority. However, it is not fully meeting several of the framework’s requirements.
Inspection programmes are not being completed on time, according to the findings. Gaps were also identified in structural assessments.
Records, long-term maintenance planning, checks on progress and the way risks are identified and managed also need improvement.
The main causes identified were longstanding shortages of staff and resources, difficulties recruiting and retaining experienced specialists, disruption linked to the Covid-19 pandemic and major unplanned projects, including Kirkcudbright Bridge.
Jacobs checked a sample of 39 of the council’s 1558 structures and compared what it found with the council’s inspection records. Most records reasonably reflected the condition of the structures, although significant differences were found at six.
These findings relate to the 39 structures examined, not all the council’s bridges and structures.
Checks also identified defects that had developed since previous detailed inspections. These affected 18 structures, with the additional defects at four considered significant.
All four structures have been inspected by the council. The identified defects are included in the repair programme and will be prioritised according to risk.
The review also found significant weaknesses in the council’s central records system, including incomplete records and difficulties finding and tracing inspection information.
Councillor Andy Ferguson, Chair of the Economy and Infrastructure Committee, said: “This review makes difficult reading, and we accept its findings.
“We take our responsibilities for managing and maintaining the council’s bridges and structures seriously. Work to address the issues identified is already underway.
“I am clear that every recommendation needs to be addressed. Members will consider the review, the work underway and the proposed next steps on 3 November.
“We commissioned the review to understand where improvements were needed, and we are publishing it openly, including where its findings are critical of the council.”
Recommendations include completing overdue inspections, improving records and risk management, and planning structural reviews, assessments and checks on erosion risks around bridge foundations.
Longer-term work includes staff training and development, better use of digital records, planning future maintenance and investment, and closer working with neighbouring councils.
Councillor Tony Berretti, Vice-Chair of the Economy and Infrastructure Committee, said:
“Bridges connect our communities, helping people reach work, school and essential services and supporting local businesses.
“Members will examine the findings alongside the work already underway. We need to know what has been done, what remains outstanding and how progress will be reported.”
Read the review and accompanying papers for the Economy and Infrastructure Committee meeting: Agenda for Economy and Infrastructure Committee on Tuesday, 3rd November, 2026, 10.30 am | Dumfries and Galloway Council