Long term closure for damaged bridge in Aboyne
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Aboyne Bridge is to remain closed to traffic for the foreseeable future after an invasive examination of the structure revealed significant concerns over its condition.
The Category B-listed bridge, which carries the B968 Bridgeview Road over the River Dee, could be closed for more than 18 months to allow for further investigations to take place, for decisions to be made on the way forward, and for any associated legal, planning, and construction matters to be progressed.
Following a recent intrusive structural investigation of the top deck of the main span of the 84-year-old bridge, it has been confirmed that the reinforced concrete deck is now at the end of its life and is no longer suitable for motorised traffic.
The diversion for vehicles is via Dinnet Bridge (B9158 road), the next road bridge upstream from Aboyne, while the bridge can continue to be used by pedestrians, cyclists and other non-motorised traffic for the time being.
Further detailed investigations are now under way to determine whether there are any wider structural issues and if repair is feasible.
Aberdeenshire Council’s Head of Roads and Infrastructure, Philip McKay, explained: “The unusual design of the bridge meant that we had to arrange to cut into the chambers beneath the deck to get a full picture of the wear and tear on the structure.
"What that showed is that the concrete has deteriorated far more than is visible on the surface.
“Unfortunately, given the age, size, and complexity of the bridge there is no quick or easy solution that would allow us to restore access to traffic.
"While the closure is indeed lengthy, it will allow us to fully assess whether repair is possible and for decisions to be made on the way forward.
“We appreciate this is a significant inconvenience for users of the route and we apologise for the disruption. We will provide further updates as our investigations continue.”
Aberdeenshire Council's Bridges Team has advised that the Lower North Water Bridge in South Aberdeenshire will reopen at 3pm today (Friday).
Scour inspections in the aftermath of Storm Babet have been completed and although there are some emergency repairs required, it has jointly been agreed with Angus Council that the bridge can be reopened.
The works will be undertaken under a full road closure on weekdays at off-peak times from 10am-3pm for around four weeks.
In addition, should there be further flooding or severe weather events before completion of the emergency repairs the bridge will be closed.
At the same time intrusive investigations of the concrete deck on Aboyne Bridge which carries the B968 road have revealed it is in a poor condition.
A spokesperson said: "We’ve had a single lane traffic closure under traffic lights during these works, but the findings mean we cannot reopen the lane to traffic.
"As a precaution, from this Friday (November 10), we will be closing both lanes of the bridge to all vehicular traffic for an initial three-week period to allow more extensive investigations to be completed and the extent of the problem fully determined.
"A formal diversion via Dinnet will be in place throughout the closure.
"We appreciate that this closure coincides with a two-day road closure of the A93 from Rosehill Steading to Kirkton Croft on Nov 13 and 14 to allow for road marking works and we would ask that you bear with us as our contractors carry out these essential works."
