31 August 2017

Essential maintenance to begin on Deeside bridge

Major work to refurbish the A957 Durris Bridge at Crathes will begin on Monday, September 11 and will last for 14 weeks.

The bridge, built in 1977, requires essential maintenance to ensure it continues to be safe for all road users. The 105 metre long structure carries the Slug Road across the River Dee.

The work includes the replacement of movement joints including alterations to the concrete bridge deck, application of a protective paint coating to the ends of the main girders, deck waterproofing repairs as well as new road and footway surfacing.

The cost of the work being carried out by contractors, Diack and Macaulay Ltd, is around £400,000.

Aberdeenshire Council’s Structures Manager, Donald MacPherson, said: “This major bridge is a key part of the Aberdeenshire road network and this work is essential to safeguard a vital local asset.

“The work has been carefully planned to ensure disruption to road users is kept to an absolute minimum, with the work being carried out in the shortest timeframe possible.

“Although these closures can be inconvenient, if we do not maintain our roads and bridges the consequences for their long term future are obvious.”

The A957 will remain open during the majority of the refurbishment, with the work being carried out in two phases using single lane working. A 30mph speed limit will be in place while four-way, temporary traffic lights will be in place at the South Deeside Road junction.

There will however be a closure during a weekend in December to lay the final surfacing and install the movement joints.

For further information on road closures or restrictions, please see the road closures and restrictions section of our website: http://bit.ly/roadrestrictions