Bridge workers make up for lost time

A Moray bridge, which was closed because of flood damage last year, is likely to reopen within weeks.

The 100-year-old Bridge of Isla on the B9022 Avochie to Gordonstown road near Rothiemay was damaged during flooding in November. Holidays over the festive period and bad weather conditions have delayed progress on repairing the bridge.

Earlier this month it was closed to pedestrians as well as motorists as snow had turned to ice and made the crossing treacherous.

Councillor Ron Shepherd, who represents Keith and Cullen, said: “The repairs to the Bridge of Isla have taken longer than anticipated. The bridge suffered a lot of damage. With the Christmas break and the severe weather conditions, these repairs have been set back by about four weeks.

“I have a lot of sympathy for users who have had to take alternative routes to their destinations.

“I hope that, with a traffic light system, the bridge can open in about two weeks.

“I can assure the public that the contractors are doing everything they can to get it reopened.”

A spokesman for Moray Council said: “Work is progressing but there have been delays as a result of the recent weather. The damaged structure was inaccessible because of snow but it is now accessible again, although the thaw has resulted in a rise in the river level.”

He said repairs were being carried out on the upstream side of the bridge before contractors moved on to the downstream side.

He added: “Work is being carried out as quickly as possible, but care will be required in removing the collapsed section. Assuming there are no further unforeseen delays, it is hoped to have the work completed by mid to late February.”