Banff Bridge user survey
MOTORISTS, cyclists and pedestrians who use the Banff Bridge are encouraged to take part in a major study assessing the effect it has on the area.
An economic impact study is being carried out on the crossing over the River Deveron, as a route for trips between Peterhead, Fraserburgh and Inverness.
The information gathered will also consider the social impact of the bridge and help inform decisions on any future improvements.
Aberdeenshire Council’s infrastructure services committee requested the work last year and the local authority has now commissioned consultants AECOM to carry it out.
The consultation will support the identification of potential improvement options for the bridge, providing short-term resilience and a longer-term solution.
An online survey has been set up and will run for the next five weeks. It can be accessed at www.banffbridgesurvey.net
Drop-in sessions in the area are also planned, with details to follow.
The results of the consultation will be reported to councillors, together with options for the future of the bridge, which may include a new or upgraded crossing, as well as the potential costs.
Banff Bridge is a seven-arched sandstone masonry structure which was designed by John Smeaton and built in 1779.
Spanning 125 metres, it forms part of a strategic link, carrying traffic from the A98 coastal road to the A96 to Elgin and Inverness.
Every day it has around 12,000 vehicle movements and up to 180 pedestrians as the key link between Banff and Macduff.
