The council said that the closure is necessary to carry out essential works to the existing A939 which will improve road alignment sufficiently to facilitate delivery of the new bridge deck and to allow passage of the large crane which will be required to lift the new deck into position.
All changes made to the existing road will be permanent which will also contribute towards improved road safety in this location in the longer term.
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The signed diversion route will be from the A93/A939 junction, east along the A93 to Dinnet, then north along the A97 to Strathdon, then west along the A944 to re-join the A939 at Colnabaichin.
Earlier this year, Aberdeenshire Council awarded the £3.8m contract for the replacement crossing to Wills Bros Civil Engineering Ltd, with completion expected by Spring 2023.
The existing Grade A-listed structure – built in the mid-1700s – is no longer suitable for modern day traffic and with ever-increasing volumes of vehicles and larger, heavier loads, the bridge has suffered significant damage over many years. However this 'faithful old servant' will be retained for use by non-motorised users.
Its new downstream replacement will have two lanes of traffic and will be capable of carrying large goods vehicles.
This modern, yet sympathetic replacement will ensure local residents and visitors alike can continue to enjoy the delights the area has to offer while providing improved journey times and reliability.
