Ballachulish Bridge

Ballachulish Bridge is a steel truss bridge that connects North and South Ballachulish across the narrow strait between Loch Leven and Loch Linnhe in the Scottish Highlands. It forms a crucial link on the main road between Glasgow and Inverness, handling traffic that would otherwise need to take a lengthy detour around the lochs.

The bridge was completed in 1975 by Cleveland Bridge & Engineering Company, replacing a ferry service that had connected the two villages for many years. Its construction marked a major shift in how people and goods moved through this part of the Highlands.

The bridge stands as an example of mid-20th century engineering, designed by W.A. Fairhurst and Partners from Newcastle upon Tyne.

The bridge is part of the A82 main road and carries traffic without tolls, making it easy for drivers and cyclists to cross at any time. Walking paths line both sides, though the weather in the Highlands can be changeable and wet year-round.

The bridge uses a through-truss design with fabricated steel box chords that distribute weight efficiently across the water passage. This engineering choice was made to handle the challenging conditions created by tidal flows and weather exposure in this narrow strait.