A permanent solution to one of the “most complex” landslips in the north-east has moved a step closer.
It is after a contractor was appointed to the work on the crumbling cliff above Harbour Road in Gardenstown.
The route has been closed to traffic since December, although residents have been allowed to use it during supervised openings.
Gardenstown will struggle to survive the summer unless landslip-hit road reopens, campaigners warn
Investigation work is expected to start next week and has been deemed “essential” to ensuring a permanent fix can be found.
Boreholes will be drilled at a number of a number of sites to give specialist engineers a better idea of the ground conditions and inform the design of a solution.
Philip McKay, Aberdeenshire Council’s head of roads, said: “It is extremely unfortunate that the road layout in Gardenstown means closure of Harbour Road at this location prevents all vehicular access to the New Ground, the harbour area and Seatown.
“The closure is certainly causing considerable disruption for those living and working below the road closure.
“However, the slip is deep and extensive and unfortunately there is no quick or easy solution to a landslip like this.
“From time to time we have had to deal with landslips impacting on public roads across Aberdeenshire, but this one is perhaps the most complex we have had to deal with.
“Ground investigations are due to start next week, expected to take four weeks to complete.
Gardenstown villagers being treated like ‘prisoners’ over new road safety measures
“The information we gather from this work will be essential as we work towards a permanent solution.
“Unfortunately, these works will be disruptive and I hope residents will bear with us and appreciate that it is a vital part of moving us forward.
“I fully appreciate that the situation is frustrating for those affected and I sympathise with the predicament they find themselves in through no fault of their own.
“At this stage we cannot open the road on an unrestricted basis as we cannot guarantee public safety.
“We will look to extend the days where supervised openings are done, and hope that this goes some way to reducing, albeit not removing, the impact.”
It comes just days after councillor Hamish Partridge claimed residents in Gardenstown were being treated like “prisoners” with locked gates being installed at either side of Harbour Road.
Emergency services will have a key for the safety barriers.
