Repairs to closed bridge postponed for two years

Plans to fix a road bridge in Aberdeenshire have been postponed after engineers found that its condition is more serious than initially thought. Aboyne Bridge over the River Dee has been closed to vehicles for two years due to structural weaknesses.

Earlier this year, councillors approved work to reinforce the bridge, which would have allowed vehicles up to 18 tonnes to cross. However, Aberdeenshire Council has now stated that this plan is no longer viable and has issued apologies to the local communities affected.

Previously dismissed solutions, including constructing a new bridge, are now under consideration. In the meantime, the bridge will remain closed to motor vehicles but will stay accessible to pedestrians and cyclists.

Local resident Graham Davidson, who lives nearby in Birse, has expressed concern that the councils repair plan may not succeed. Since the bridges closure in November 2023, he has been forced to take an 11-mile detour to reach Aboyne by car. Efforts have been made to improve accessibility for all users, with small ramps installed for wheelchair and mobility scooter users.

Mr Davidson commented on the challenges faced by local residents, saying that while he can manage to cycle across the bridge, some older or less mobile residents may find it difficult. He added that he fears the bridge may never reopen for vehicles.

In March, councillors were presented with five options for the bridge, ranging from leaving it as is to building a replacement. The selected approach involved strengthening and restoring the existing structure, with an estimated cost of 1.5 million to 3 million and a potential reopening in 2027.

Following further inspections, Aberdeenshire Council confirmed that the repair will not go ahead as planned. Philip McKay, head of roads and infrastructure, explained that the condition of the bridge's concrete is much worse than previously expected, leading to the delay.

Future options include fully strengthening and repairing the bridge at a potential cost of up to 15 million, constructing a temporary crossing for around 8 million, or building a new bridge for roughly 30 million. Mr McKay emphasized that the goal remains to restore a crossing at this location, though the timeline and chosen solution are still under review.

The council will also need to reassess work priorities for over 1,400 other bridges in the region to fund any new project. Additional public consultation sessions will be held in Aboyne and Birse to discuss next steps.

Author: Olivia Parker