Last weekend Dumfries and Galloway Council installed a temporary bridge at Brow Well, near Ruthwell, to allow the B725 to open again.
The route was closed in late September after the old bridge, believed to be more than 200 years old, partially collapsed after prolonged wet weather.
Damage was found on the top and underside of the structure, which sits near a spot where Robert Burns bathed in and drank the waters renowned for the healing properties.
Dramatic pictures of the temporary bridge being lowered into place were posted on the council’s Facebook page.
The local authority has been working to secure the temporary bridge, which will remain in place over the winter and will be moved downstream once a short diversion route has been constructed.
This will allow traffic to cross the river while a replacement for the existing bridge is constructed, with the contractor hoping to salvage and reuse some of the original stonework.
Dumfries and Galloway Council has resurfaced a stretch of the B725 and the road is expected to reopen on Monday, with the addition of single lane traffic lights at the bridge.
