Loreburn Bridge which crosses from Sandside to Greensands has been closed by Dumfries and Galloway Council while maintenance work takes place.
Sally Hinchcliffe from Cycling Dumfries said: “I discovered this when I tried to cycle over the bridge on Tuesday.
“On Saturday it was fine — on the second of our family rides we went over it, there was no problem, no sign, anything, and then this week we came into town and it was shut.”
She added: “To be fair they’re painting it, and it’s over the river, so they do have to close it off to make sure they don’t get stuff into the river.
“So I do understand the need to close the bridge.
“What’s just frustrating is that we had no warning of it at all, and this is a national network route.”
The bridge, which is used by Dumfries Academy pupils during term time, is set to remain closed until late September.
Dumfries and Galloway Council say there is ‘always regretfully’ a certain amount of inconvenience when work is carried out.
But a spokesman said: “However, it would be completely unacceptable and irresponsible not to carry out work that is required to prevent deterioration to a bridge and to maintain the structure for future years to come.”
And they note notifications appeared online and in local press.
The spokesman said: “Unfortunately, the original notification signs that were placed on the actual bridge were removed by persons unknown which is very disappointing. However, new notices have been placed around the bridge. ”
Sally notes Devorgilla Bridge has steps and cycling is not permitted on the Suspension Bridge, and is calling for a temporary order for the summer allowing cycling on a Buccleuch Street pavement.
However, a council spokesman said: “Unfortunately, due to the number of doorways along Buccleuch Street, it is not safe for cyclists to cycle along the footpath.”
