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Damaged bridge repaired and opened ahead of schedule


By Kyle Ritchie

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A bridge which was badly damaged after a car crash and widespread flooding has reopened a week ahead of schedule.

Auchmill Bridge, just off the A947 near Plaidy, had been shut for several weeks after it was hit by a vehicle.

It was closed off just days before widespread flooding affected the King Edward, Banff and Gamrie areas, leaving a further seven bridges either damaged or washed away.

Banff and Buchan MP David Duguid at the bridge at Auchmill, which will reopen a week early.
Banff and Buchan MP David Duguid at the bridge at Auchmill, which will reopen a week early.

Residents and businesses faced lengthy detours as a result of the closure, and Banff and Buchan MP David Duguid contacted Aberdeenshire Council to ask that any repair work be carried out as quickly as possible to minimise disruption.

Mr Duguid said: “I am delighted to hear that Auchmill Bridge has reopened to traffic.

“The closure caused significant disruption to local residents and businesses alike but I have been in contact with Aberdeenshire Council officials and local ward member Mark Findlater throughout.

“The council deserves credit for this swift response and action to get the road open again.

“There are clearly several other bridges locally still awaiting full assessment and repair but I was pleased to see the Scottish Government agree to provide extra funding for Aberdeenshire Council after my party colleague Peter Chapman raised the issue at First Minister’s Questions last week.

“I hope we will see the remaining damaged bridges open to traffic as soon as possible.”

Aberdeenshire Council said the bridge at South Mains, which was affected by flooding, was expected to be repaired in the next couple of weeks.

The bridges at Fortrie, Bruntyards and North Litterty are due to be fixed by the end of the year.

Discussions are continuing on the remaining three bridges affected by flooding at Millcroft, Gorrachie and Mill of Balmaud.


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