Damaged Deeside bridge could stay shut until 2026

An Aberdeenshire road bridge which has been shut to vehicles on safety grounds may not reopen to traffic until 2026.

Further investigation work is due to begin on the Aboyne Bridge in the next few weeks.

Motorists in the area are now also being warned of restrictions being introduced on the river crossing which is being used as a diversion.

The bridge over the Dee was shut to vehicles for an initial three weeks in November last year, with the closure later extended to 18 months after it was decided its concrete deck was at the end of its useable life. It remains open to pedestrians.

Aberdeenshire Council said contractors should be appointed in the coming weeks to carry out a full structural assessment, with their findings due in August.

Depending on the outcome of these investigations, and on continuing funding, the authority said it now expected work would begin in the spring of 2025, with completion later that year or early 2026.

In a further blow for drivers in the area, the council said it intended to restrict the nearest alternative bridge, at Dinnet, to single-lane traffic with priority signage in the coming weeks, to help prolong the working life of that 89-year-old structure.

The local authority has thanked people in the area for their patience and understanding.