Six week, 25-mile diversion confirmed as Gairnshiel Bridge replacement delayed

By Kieran Beattie

February 10 2023, 1:58 pm

A multi-million pound project has been going on for months to build a new, modern bridge at Gairnshiel to replace the crumbling 18th century one further up river. But the opening date has been delayed. Image: Kenny Elrick/DC Thomson

The grand opening of the new Gairnshiel Bridge has been delayed until late spring, leaving Deeside drivers facing six weeks of dealing with a 25-mile diversion.

The £3.8 million project to replace the crumbling 18th century bridge at Gairnshiel, north of Ballater, was previously on course to complete this February.

The new bridge is located just to the east of the old one, downstream on the River Gairn. You can see the old, humpbacked bridge at the top of this photograph. Image: Kenny Elrick, 13/10/22.

But unfortunately, due to problems including poor weather, this is now being pushed back to later in the year.

And to add to motorist’s misery, the A939 Ballater to Tomintoul road just north of the current bridge will be shut for six weeks from February 20 to allow for the construction works to continue.

How long will the diversion be for the Gairnshiel works?

The extremely lengthy diversion will force drivers to travel via the A944, A93 and the A97 via Strathdon, Dinnet and Ballater.

This map shows the full diversion route around the closure of the A939 just north of Gairnshiel Bridge. Such diversions have been common in the past whenever the old 18th century bridge has been shut for repair and maintenance work. Image: DC Thomson.

However, Aberdeenshire Council believes this will be the “last longer duration closure” of the road before the new bridge opens.

And the good news is, once the new bridge is officially opened, the council hopes these long diversions, which have caused travel headaches for years, will finally become a thing of the past.

Why is a new Gairnshiel Bridge being built?

Lonach Highlanders pass across the historic Gairnshiel Bridge. Image: Colin Rennie/DC Thomson.

The 18th-century Gairnshiel Bridge is a key part of the A939, also known as the Old Military Road, and is crucial for travel between Deeside and Donside.

It was originally built to allow for two horses to cross side by side.

But after years of heavy vehicular traffic, it has been slowly crumbling into disrepair.

The 18th century structure has closed frequently due to damage from vehicles. This photo was taken in 2018 when it was shut for repairs. Image: DC Thomson.

The poor state of the bridge has resulted in frustratingly frequent closures due to concerns over stability and damage to the A-listed structure.

These closures have resulted in annoying diversion routes, such as the one which will start on February 20.

Council bridges boss thanks Deeside and Donside motorists for their patience

From left, Aberdeenshire Council bridges manager Donald Macpherson and council technician Simon Robertson at the construction site for the new Gairnshiel Bridge. Image: Kath Flannery, September 2, 2022.

Donald MacPherson, bridges manager for Aberdeenshire Council, said that despite making “very good progress” in recent months, the “wintry weather” prior to Christmas delayed the project, and the new opening date being looked at is “late spring.”

Mr MacPherson previously described the project as “the most complex” he’s ever worked on.

It has involved major changes to the area, including new roads being built, which have also posed problems.

This artist’s impression shows what the new bridge should look like once complete. Image: Aberdeenshire Council.

He said: “The major road re-alignment at the north end of the new structure, which includes substantial works associated with road drainage, has also presented challenges.

“Those substantial works will require what we anticipate will be the last longer duration closure of the A939 immediately to the north of the old bridge, starting on Monday, February 20, for six weeks.

“We again thank motorists and the local community for their continued patience and understanding.”

‘Added mileage and added expense’ for people who work and live in the area

Councillor Geva Blackett at the closed-off Gairnshiel bridge in 2018. Image: Geva Blackett.

Aboyne, Upper Deeside and Donside councillor Geva Blackett has been a highly prominent voice in the community calling for a replacement Gairnshiel Bridge, and has been campaigning for one for years.

She said: “I share everyone’s frustration.

“For people who work on one side of the bridge and live on the other, this is added mileage and added expense.

“For the council it’s added delays.

“I really do hope that this is the last of the diversions, and the opening of the new bridge later this year will prove to be of benefit to everyone, from locals, to visitors, to businesses.”