18 February 2016

Emergency closure of River Dee's Park Bridge following safety concerns

The historic Park Bridge that crosses the River Dee near Drumoak has been closed following concerns over the structure’s safety due to flood damage.

The bridge, on the unclassified C35K road, was closed today (Thu, Feb 18) after divers assessing flood damage found extensive ‘scouring’ and possible undermining of the foundations of the central pier.

For the meantime, the nearest River Dee crossings are to the west via the A957 over the Durris Bridge at Crathes, or to the east over the B979 Maryculter Bridge at Milltimber.

The A-listed two-span cast iron bridge was built in 1854 by James Abernethy, spanning 86metres across the river.

The emergency closure has been put in place as part of ongoing survey and investigation work of bridges across Aberdeenshire during Storm Frank.

Aberdeenshire Council’s Head of Roads and Landscape Services, Philip McKay, said: “It’s important that the bridge is closed to allow us to conduct a more detailed inspection of the foundations, so that we can ensure the structure’s safety by carrying out any repairs that are required.

“This is part of a wider programme of inspections we are undertaking to ensure that all of our structures are safe following the severe weather.”