M9 Carron Bridge | Joint Replacement Works

Works to replace joints on the bridge carrying the M9 motorway over the River Carron between Junctions 6 and 7 (near the Kelpies) began on 24 February.  As a result of delays due to adverse weather, further closures are required to complete the works.

Additional overnight closures of the M9 southbound carriageway will take place on Friday 20 March, and Monday 23 March to Friday 27 March, between 20:00 and 06:00 each night.

A diversion route suitable for trunk road traffic will be signposted from Junction 7 (Kinnaird House) to Junction 5 (Cadgers Brae) via the M876 eastbound, A905, A88, B902, Ronades Rd and A9, adding an estimated 6 miles and 20 minutes to affected journeys.

Consultation has taken place with relevant stakeholders in advance of these works to make them aware of the traffic management arrangements and to minimise any inconvenience.

David Bishop, BEAR Scotland’s South East Unit Bridges Manager, said: “This programme of maintenance is key to ensuring the structural integrity of this bridge and extend its service life for years to come.

“Carriageway closures are essential for the safety of motorists and our workforce.  These will be limited to overnight hours to minimise any disruption.

“We thank road users in advance for their patience and understanding.”

All works are dependent on the weather and the existing condition of the structure, which can’t be fully understood until works commence and intrusive investigations are carried out. As such, the programme of works is subject to postponement, cancellation or rearrangement of dates in the event of adverse weather conditions or unforeseen circumstances.

Works to replace joints on the bridge carrying the M9 motorway over the River Carron between Junctions 6 and 7 (near the Kelpies) are set to begin on 12 January 2026.

Transport Scotland’s operating company BEAR Scotland will carry out the project, which is anticipated to last for approximately three weeks and will require a series of overnight carriageway closures on the M9, in one direction at a time.

The first overnight closure will take place on the southbound carriageway on the night of Monday 12 January between 19:30 and 06:30.  A diversion route suitable for trunk road traffic will be signposted from Junction 7 (Kinnaird House) to Junction 5 (Cadgers Brae) via the M876 eastbound, A905, A88, B902, Ronades Rd and A9, adding an estimated 6 miles and 20 minutes to affected journeys.

Further overnight closures will be in place between 19:30 and 06:30 on Monday to Friday nights only:

• 13 January: Full closure of M9 northbound between Junctions 5 and 7, and two-lane closure on M9 southbound
• 14 to 22 January: Full closures of M9 southbound between Junction 7 and 5
• 23 January to 2 February:  Full closures of M9 northbound between Junction 5 and 7.

These works are being coordinated with joint replacement works on the nearby bridge carrying the M9 over the Forth & Clyde Canal. 

Consultation has taken place with relevant stakeholders in advance of these works to make them aware of the traffic management arrangements and to minimise any inconvenience.

David Bishop, BEAR Scotland’s South East Unit Bridges Manager, said: “This programme of maintenance is key to ensuring the structural integrity of this bridge and extend its service life for years to come.

“The works have been planned to minimise disruption to road users as far as possible, however some delays are to be expected, especially during peak times.

“Carriageway closures are essential for the safety of motorists and our workforce.  These will be limited to overnight hours to minimise any disruption.