The A947 Turriff to Banff road at Castleton Bridge has reopened after an emergency closure caused concern for vulnerable residents.
Aberdeenshire Council had confirmed the road would close this morning for a period of two weeks.
The road has now reopened. Aberdeenshire Council said in an update: “We can confirm that following further investigations at Castleton Bridge on the A947 today we have been able to identify the cause of the issue impacting the structure which involved a large volume of water emerging from neighbouring land and travelling underground about 150 metres to exit through the bridge.
“The matter was quickly rectified and the road has now safely reopened.”
The council added that the bridge will need to close again for a day to undergo further investigation.
The statement added: “We will have to undertake a further one-day closure at some point next week for a further specialist access assessment.
“Given the importance of bridges within our rural communities it is vital that we ensure the structural integrity is maintained for traffic to cross safely and that is why we undertake regular inspections and sometimes have to make emergency closures.”
‘Severe impact on residents’
David Duguid, Banff and Buchan MP, had voiced his concerns concerns that the large detour wouldn’t allow the 35 bus service to serve residents living between Banff and Turriff.
He said: “This closure will have a severe impact on residents, businesses and emergency services between Banff and Turriff resulting in a lengthy diversion.
“There is a real risk that vulnerable people living in King Edward who rely on public transport may be cut off from using these services while the closure is in place.
“I have requested more information from the council on the current condition of the bridge and how long residents will be impacted.”
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