The move comes after the company that had the winning bid in the procurement process to replace Clyde Bridge, on Pettinain Road, near Carstairs Junction, withdrew their tender.

Colin Park, Head of Roads and Transportation, moved to reassure local communities that alternative options are being sought as a priority.

Mr Park said: “I understand that this will be deeply disappointing news to local people. We share that disappointment as we had thought we were on the brink of proceeding with this much-needed project.

“However, we remain committed to replacing Clyde Bridge as soon as possible. The council is urgently considering the options for an alternative procurement route to deliver the bridge at the earliest opportunity.”

Clyde Bridge had to be closed in late 2018 after significant defects were picked up during a routine inspection.

Despite unavoidable delays, the council has repeatedly committed to replacing the bridge, and just last month identified additional funding to keep the project on track despite increasing costs and global supply issues.

This allowed the project to progress to the next stage of the tender award process, but at that point the company that had prepared the winning bid indicated it was unable to deliver the project within the tender price.

Following legal advice on how to proceed, the second ranked contractor was then approached to see if they would maintain their tender bid, but that company confirmed they also were unable to maintain their tender price.

This meant the council has been unable to award the contract under the existing tender process, with alternative ways to deliver the new bridge now actively being sought.