Next stage of investigation work set to begin on closed Aboyne Bridge

Aberdeenshire Council has given an update on the current investigations at Aboyne Bridge and comes after MP Andrew Bowie and members of the local Fire and Rescue team voiced concerns over the impact the closure was having on response times.

In a statement the council said: “Our consulting engineers WSP have completed their initial site visit at Aboyne Bridge and they have prepared a testing and inspection plan to inform the structural assessment of the bridge. This will drive the physical testing works and we will begin evaluation of tenders received for that process in the coming week.

“For the testing works, the evaluation, appointment of a contractor and project lead-in will take a little time but it is our intention to have the sitework started around the middle of May and that’s expected to take around three weeks. To facilitate the concrete testing of the structural elements which form the internal chambers on the River Dee span, access holes will have to be created through the top deck slab carrying the roadway. This will allow specialist personnel access into the chambers and to carry out testing of the internal concrete elements of the bridge.

“Throughout these works pedestrian/cyclist access will be maintained on the footways. Limited closure of one footway at a time will be required also to facilitate specialised access to the outer faces of the main span. This critical survey work and subsequent development of options will take several months and we hope to be in a position to report back our findings in late August. Thereafter – and very much dependent on the outcomes and decisions around the options – we would anticipate works commencing in the Spring of 2025 with completion by the end of 2025 or early 2026, subject to continuing funding commitment.

“A reminder that Aboyne Bridge – which carries the B968 Bridgeview Road over the River Dee – remains under an 18-month closure. It is still in use for pedestrians, cyclists and other non- motorised forms of transport only, and it is our hope that this can continue during the period of the closure.

Dee Bridge at Dinnet update - “As you will know, the diversion for vehicles impacted by the Aboyne Bridge closure is via the Dee Bridge at Dinnet (B9158 road). However road users should note that we intend to restrict the Dinnet Bridge crossing down to single lane working controlled by priority signage in the near future. This will help us prolong the service life of the 89-year-old bridge structure so that for the time being it can continue to carry full highway loading. Once installed we will keep this proposed new arrangement and the condition of the bridge under close review.

“We would once again take this opportunity to thank the communities of Birse, Aboyne and surrounding areas for their patience and understanding during the current closure.”

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