04 October 2019
Aberdeenshire Council announces bridge repair schedule
A schedule of emergency repair works on damaged rural bridges has been announced by Aberdeenshire Council.
Following the intense flooding during the weekend of September 28-29, inspections took place at a number of bridges which had been damaged or in some cases completely washed away in the King Edward area.
As a result of those studies, the council has prioritised the repair of the bridges at South Mains and Auchmill, with anticipated competition within two to three weeks.
Auchmill Bridge, just off the A947, was damaged in an earlier road traffic collision, while South Mains on the B9105 fell victim to the flooding.
It is currently the intention to have the bridges at Fortrie, Bruntyards and North Litterty repaired by the end of the year.
Discussions are continuing on the remaining three bridges affected by the floods at Millcroft, Gorrachie and Mill of Balmaud.
A series of formal road closures and temporary one-way systems have now been introduced in the affected areas.
Aberdeenshire Council has also notified the Scottish Government of an emergency incident as required by the Bellwin Scheme.
While work is ongoing to assess the damage and develop a clearer understanding of the likely costs associated with repairs to the road network and replacement of seven bridges, the council will continue its discussions with the Scottish Government as the wider situation becomes clearer.
During Thursday’s meeting of the council’s Infrastructure Services Committee, chair Councillor Peter Argyle paid tribute to both the resilience of the affected communities and the efforts of council staff during the recent flooding.
Cllr Argyle said: “As ever, the resilience of the local community has to be commended. Neighbours have looked out for each other, businesses have begun the clean-up and repairs are underway. It amazes me how fast the flood waters recede and people get on with cleaning up the mess that’s left behind.
“Can I take the opportunity to thank all the teams who have been working tirelessly since Saturday to keep people safe, restore access to homes, and begin the process of rebuilding bridges and repairing our roads. As ever, your efforts are hugely appreciated.”
Meanwhile, Banff Bridge is to be closed for one day on Sunday, October 27 to enable an inspection to be undertaken by Aberdeenshire Council.
This closure was scheduled before the recent flooding and, in the interests of public safety, the bridge on the A98 will be closed from 5am to 1pm, however pedestrian access will be maintained as far as it is safe to do so. Access for emergency vehicles will be accommodated.
A diversion will be in place via the A947 to Turriff, A947 via Market Street, Church Street, Gladstone Terrace, Deveron Street and Deveron Road to B9025 to Aberchirder to A97 to Banff.
You can view the affected bridges online at: