Key section of one of Greenock's busiest roads could close for up to a YEAR for major repairs

Work needs to be carried out on the bridge at High Street, which runs over the top of the Oak Mall, meaning there could be large-scale disruption looming for local drivers.

The section, part of the A78, is managed by trunk roads operator Scotland TranServ.

In a document seen by the Telegraph, a company official states that they 'envisage' a closure will be in place for 'up to 12 months'.

Discussions are now under way with Mall bosses regarding access to the underside of the bridge to assess the extent of the work that is required.

In the meantime, TranServ is continuing to inspect the structure and carry out other maintenance.

It is unclear what disruption, if any, the proposed bridge repairs would have on tenants and customers of the shopping centre, which is now up for sale for £14 million as revealed by the Tele on Thursday.

A spokesperson for the trunk roads operator said: "Scotland TranServ is carrying out ongoing inspection and maintenance on the structure. "It is too early to provide timescales. "We are continuing to work with stakeholders."

A section of the bridge - the outside lane of High Street approaching the Bullring Roundabout - has been coned off for several months.

In September last year, the Tele revealed how Mall bosses wanted to demolish the eastern wing of the shopping centre after being hit with a statutory notice by roads chiefs to enable a 'major repair programme' to be carried out.

The proposal to flatten a large chunk of the complex was initially rejected by council planning officials in November and then for a second time in March by councillors on the local review body after the original decision was appealed.

An Oak Mall spokesperson said today: "We are aware that TranServ require to undertake essential bridge works."

Shopping centre officials say they are 'not aware' of any proposed road closures, however, information seen by the Tele states otherwise.

Correspondence from the trunk roads operator says: "We envisage the closure will be in place for up to 12 months."

The official document adds that discussions are taking place with Mall bosses to access the underside of the bridge from within the shopping centre.

Scotland TranServ was asked for specific details about the proposed bridge repair project, including an estimated start date and whether the suggested 12-month closure would affect Wallace Place underneath the bridge, High Street up above or both.

The flyover is part of a busy stretch of the A78, which is a key route through Greenock town centre and also serves the Bullring Roundabout and the bus terminals at Kilblain Street and West Stewart Street.