Structural assessment of Aboyne Bridge completed – future options now under review
Aberdeenshire Council has concluded the structural assessment of Aboyne Bridge, which carries the B968 Bridgeview Road over the River Dee.
Built between 1938 and 1940, the 7-span reinforced concrete bridge – spanning 151 metres – has deteriorated significantly, largely due to its age and the construction techniques of the 1930s.
The assessment confirmed that the reinforced concrete bridge decking, on which the road and footways rest, has no capacity to safely carry motorised vehicles.
The main span is relatively unique, featuring three concrete hinges. The assessment has identified that the hinge at the centre of the span is also structurally weak.
In essence, the survey has confirmed our initial fears when the road was closed last year, that it is not currently strong enough to carry vehicles and other faults have been identified.
Our Bridges Team are working with consultants to look at options for the repair or strengthening of the bridge in order to make it available to some level of motorised traffic in the future – possibly under a weight restriction.
We will have the findings in November and, if an appropriate repair can be identified, we will seek approval to proceed to the design phase.
We are confident active travel will be able to continue on the bridge, although this remains under regular review.
Once we have the consultant’s findings, further drop-in sessions will be held in Aboyne and Birse to update and consult with the local communities on the best way forward.
Aboyne Bridge is a category B-listed structure, protected under the Planning (Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas) (Scotland) Act 1997. Any future work will take into account the preservation of this historic structure, as well as the essential utilities it carries, including power, water, and fibre-optic telecommunications.
Dinnet Bridge – currently serving as a diversion route – will soon be restricted to single-lane traffic to protect the ageing structure. This bridge is essential for heavy goods vehicles servicing a major local timber sawmill.
As part of that single lane operation we will also be introducing speed restrictions on the B9158 and B976 at Dinnet for an initial 18-month period as follows:
• 20mph on the B9158 from north of property Angrinan and the junction with B976
• 20mph on the B976 for 200m either side of the junction
• 40mph on the B976 for a small section either side of the 20mph zones
Aberdeenshire Council will continue to work closely with local communities and businesses as it reviews options and moves toward a long-term solution for Aboyne Bridge.
A reminder that Aboyne Bridge remains under an 18-month closure. It is still in use for pedestrians, cyclists and other non-motorised forms of transport only, and it remains our hope that this can continue during the period of the closure.