Aberdeenshire Council has rolled out a major programme of repairs and inspections of bridges which have been damaged as a result of the winter flooding.
River crossings all across the region, from River Ythan in Ellon and Newburgh, to the Ugie up to Peterhead, and the North Esk stretching through the Cairngorms National Park will all be assessed and, if necessary, repaired.
Many bridges were severely weakened and damaged amidst the ravages wrought by Storms Frank and Desmond, and there is now the potential for Storm Gertrude to alsocause havoc.
Aberdeenshire councillor David Aitchison, chairman of the council’s infrastructure services committee, spoke about the challenges.
He said: “The authority has undertaken a great deal of work to inspect, repair and provide solutions to routes and roads across Aberdeenshire that have been affected by recent flooding.
“Some of our bridges are hundreds of years old and in rural locations.
“Therefore, their inspection and repair will be taken forward with consideration of heritage, as well as working to reduce the impact to communities.”
The committee’s vice chairman, Cllr Stephen Smith said: “The council asks for patience while bridge assessments and repairs are undertaken, and the best source of information on road closures is the website.”
To see the full list of roads and bridges closed as a result of the ongoing work, visit www.online.aberdeenshire.gov.uk/apps/roadclosures