St Andrews Approves Replacement of Caddie Pavilion Bridge

The Old Course at St Andrews will get a rebuilt Caddie Pavilion Bridge after planners approved an application from the St Andrews Links Trust to replace the aging structure. The bridge is one of five that carry buggies, maintenance vehicles and pedestrians across the Swilcan Burn on the world-famous course, and the Trust applied to replace it as it nears the end of its useful life.

What will change about the bridge?

The existing timber deck will be swapped for a reinforced concrete deck with concrete edge beams, topped with a resin-bound gravel surface meant to be more durable and slip-resistant than the current wood. The timber handrails will be kept and reused where possible, while new steel uprights and balustrading are designed to match the look of the current bridge.

Planners noted that the new structure will sit in the same location and serve the same function as the one it replaces, preserving the route's use for course operations and public access without altering the character of the area. No construction timeline was included in the approved application.