An Aberdeenshire road is now expected to be closed for 11 weeks after a lorry went off the side of a bridge.
The crash happened on the A980 Alford to Muir of Fowlis road, at Bridgeton, at about 10.50am on Tuesday.
Pictures taken yesterday show a Harbro HGV lorry crashed into the side of the bridge and then slid down the bank.
Emergency services attended but no one was seriously injured.
However, the bridge was significantly damaged and Aberdeenshire Council has now closed it for repairs.
Bridge closure extended
Initially, it was announced the bridge would be closing for three weeks, but after a full inspection, this has now been increased to 11 weeks.
Aberdeenshire Council has said this is due to the extent of the damage to both the parapet and side wall, which will need “significant” repairs works to the structure.
The council has announced the diversion route will go via the A980 Droichs Bridge – A944 Alford; A944 – C43M Whiteley; C43M – A980 Ladymill.
It will take around 20 minutes to drive the length of the diversion, which stretches for more than 12 miles.
Motorists have been urged to allow extra time for journeys.
A police spokeswoman said: “Around 10.50 am on Tuesday March 14 police received a report of an HGV vehicle having driven over the side of a bridge on the A980 at Muir of Fowlis, Alford.
“Emergency services attended and there were no reports of anyone injured.”
To keep up-to-date on the closure, residents can download the myaberdeenshire app.
Conversation