Banff and Buchan councillors approve plans to prohibit driving near flood-damaged bridges in King Edward
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Following the news that bridges washed away by flooding are soon to be rebuilt, councillors have approved the need to extend local road closures.
At a meeting of Banff And Buchan Area Commmitee today councillors were asked to approve the continuing closure of affected routes around King Edward until works to rebuild the bridges could be completed.
A temporary order to close the roads has been in place since the floods in 2019, however it could no longer legally be extended and it was therefore necessary to change this to a permanent road traffic closure.
The matter was brought before councillors following concerns expressed by a member of the public on the legality of the amendments.
Commenting on the news of the bridges, Troup councillor Mark Findlater said: "I am really chuffed that the bridges are all scheduled to be rebuilt".
He then asked for confirmation that, if approved, the permanent road traffic orders would become void once the bridges were rebuilt.
Aberdeenshire Council's officer Derek Murray was able to confirm that: "traffic orders are only enforceable when signage is in place showing the road is closed, like we have at the moment".
Content with the legal team's response, the councillors then voted unanimously in favour of the roads remaining closed to vehicles.
This will continue to affect traffic wishing to travel over Gorrachie, Mill of Balmaud, Bruntyards and Mill Croft bridges.
In total six bridges in the King Edward area were washed away by heavy rainfall in September 2019, causing continued challenges to local residents and businesses who have been forced to endure long detours and issues with emergency and service vehicle access.
Works to return the Bridge Of Fortrie, North Litterty Bridge and Bruntyards Culvert are expected to begin imminently within the current financial year, with Gorrachie, Millcroft and Mill Of Balmaud bridges expected to be brought back to life in the following period.
The news of the imminent return of the bridges has been warmly welcomed by councillors, MPs, MSPs and, of course, residents.
