Further inspection planned for closed Aboyne bridge
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Aberdeenshire Council in an update have said that initial concrete inspections at Aboyne Bridge have been completed and further detailed specialist inspections and assessments continue.
A drone survey was carried out to inspect the external faces of the main span at the end of last week (Fri, Nov 24).
Staff are now planning to create an access entrance through the concrete top slab into the first of ten sealed chambers within the main span to get more critical condition information.
This will allow for a further structural appraisal and a detailed concrete testing plan to be prepared.
This work is scheduled to begin on Tuesday, December 5.
They are also now in the process of procuring additional specialist technical support to assist in the whole bridge structural investigation which will be necessary for all feasible options to be developed going forward.
Some concerns have been raised regarding enhanced winter maintenance around those impacted communities.
A spokesperson said: "We can confirm that the diversion route is already one of our Primary Treatment Routes so will receive our highest level of gritting.
"To assist pedestrians and cyclists who can use the bridge to access Aboyne, the gritting regime on the approaches to the bridge will be enhanced.
"We are also aware of concerns regarding overhanging vegetation on the B976 which is making walking on that road toward the bridge more difficult that it need be.
"We are contacting the landowners concerned to seek their support in trimming the vegetation back to the road boundary."
Aboyne Bridge - which carries the B968 Bridgeview Road over the River Dee - remains in use for pedestrians, cyclists and other non-motorised forms of transport, and it is our hope that this can continue for the long term.
The diversion for vehicles is via Dinnet Bridge (B9158 road).
