A major project to replace an 18th century bridge in Aberdeenshire plagued by crashes and structural problems has taken a significant step forward.
The Gairnshiel Bridge, a key part of the A939 road from Ballater to Tomintoul, has frequently been beset with closures in recent years.
Despite an 18-tonne weight limit, drivers have repeatedly ignored the rules over the years, and other motorists have collided with its historic structure, which was not built to handle today’s modern vehicles.
But last year, Aberdeenshire Council confirmed it would build a new bridge to the east of the existing crossing over the River Gairn, in order to preserve the Gairnshiel Bridge for future generations.
And a public contract issued by the local authority in September seeking structural design services for a new bridge has now been awarded to the Glasgow-based Arcadis Consulting.
The contract is worth as much as £213,982.
Aboyne, Upper Deeside and Donside councillor Geva Blackett successfully campaigned for a replacement crossing.
She said yesterday: “It’s a brilliant Christmas present for the people of Upper Deeside and Donside that this project is moving forwards.
“It’s a vital piece of infrastructure that is a key part of the rural economy in the area.”
Fellow ward councillor Peter Argyle added: “The existing bridge has been there for a very long time and it’s taken a heck of a battering, despite all we’ve done as a council to stop naughty people ignoring the rules and using it anyway.
“We’ve needed a new bridge for a very long time, so this is good news and I’m very happy about it.”
Whenever the road is shut for repairs, locals and tourists alike are both forced to deal with lengthy diversions of up to 24 miles – causing havoc for the region’s economy.
Earlier this year, new signs were put up on either side of the bridge warning drivers considering flouting the 18-tonne limit that they would be recorded on CCTV.
Heavy goods vehicle drivers have also been warned against following their sat-navs.