A major reconstruction project that will see the £530,000 restoration of an historic north-east bridge is to begin later this month, Aberdeen City Council have announced.
The Rob Roy Bridge in Culter, on the A93 North Deeside Road, is used by scores of commuters and holiday-makers coming in and out of Aberdeen every day.
But the ageing structure is now at an “advanced stage of degradation”, and needs significant repair works.
The reconstruction, which is required to safeguard the future structural stability of the bridge, is due to start on site on June 27 and will take 26 weeks to complete.
The original masonry arch dates back to the 19th century and the arch beam/column north section is circa 1920.
The works involve the demolition of the reinforced concrete section of the bridge, which will be rebuilt to modern standards. For the duration of the restoration, there will be traffic lights in operation.
There will also be intermittent full-road closures to allow the safe installation and removal of the aqueduct protection system and demolition plant.
Aberdeen City Council Communities Housing and Infrastructure convener Councillor Neil Cooney said: “Rob Roy Bridge forms part of the adopted road network and has long been identified as a structure requiring significant remedial works.
“We are co-ordinating the work along with the programme of works for the Aberdeen Western Peripheral Route in order to keep disruption to the travelling public to a minimum, with the structure restricted to a single lane with traffic lights for most of the works.
“It was deemed to cause less disruption to have the works carried out at the same time, rather than wait until after the AWPR is finished.
“Due to the complex nature of the work and that it is a very restricted site, it will be necessary to have complete closures at times and the intention is to limit these to weekends.
“We appreciate people’s patience while the works are being carried out.”
Emergency vehicles will be able to cross under supervision when the bridge is officially closed and pedestrians will be allowed across at all times for access to, for example, the restaurant.
The signed diversion route will be via the B9077 South Deeside Road.
