Bridge collision will shut the A980 for nearly three months

A collision involving a lorry at the bridge at Bridgeton on the A980 south of Alford to the north of Muir of Fowlis will lead to an extended closure it has been confirmed by Aberdeenshire Council

An initial emergency 21-day closure and local diversions were put in place, but after inspection on Wednesday, the extent of the damage has been fully revealed.

A spokesperson for Aberdeenshire Council said: "Following Tuesday morning's incident in which an agricultural supply lorry collided with one of our bridges carrying the A980 Alford to Banchory Road just north of Muir of Fowlis necessitating an emergency three-week closure, engineers have been out to assess the situation.

"Due to the extent of the damage to both the parapet and side wall, we will have to undertake significant repair works to the structure before the road can safely reopen resulting in an estimated additional eight weeks on top of the initial closure.

Site notices indicate the closure and the alternative diversion route which is via the A980 Droichs Bridge – A944 Alford; A944 – C43M Whiteley; C43M – A980 Ladymill.

The diversion is via A980 Droichs Bridge – A944 Alford; A944 – C43M Whiteley; C43M – A980 Ladymill for larger vehicles.

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