Concerns have been raised that the long-term closure of a north-east bridge could become permanent.
In February, engineers enforced an emergency closure on the Park Bridge at Drumoak after defects were spotted during a routine inspection.
The bridge carries the C35K road over the River Dee and is a commonly-used route for motorists switching between the south and north Deeside roads.
Motorists now have to make an eight-mile round trip to cross the river farther upstream at Durris Bridge, near Crathes, while cyclists and pedestrians are still able to use the route.
The structure was initially shut with no timeline for reopening place but the authority subsequently confirmed the closure would be in place for 18 months.
Now an MP has called for clarity from roads bosses after locals contacted him claiming the closure will be made permanent.
Andrew Bowie, West Aberdeenshire and Kincardine MP, said: “Local residents and businesses in and around communities like Durris and Drumoak need access to this bridge and they are already being inconvenienced by the 18-month closure.
“I hope that Aberdeenshire Council can offer some clarity for my constituents that this will not become a long-term issue.”
The authority has been faced with such problems across the region, with many of its bridges dating back hundreds of years and not designed to cope with the increasing levels of modern traffic.
