Work completed on Speyside bridge project

Work has been completed on a replacement road bridge on Speyside.

The C59H between Glenallachie and Edinvillie was closed to traffic for more than four months and diversions were in operation while the work was carried out.

Wider vehicles will now be able to cross the single-span bridge which also now has a footpath on one side.

The original bridge consisted of a steel frame and timber decking and was the subject of an emergency closure in 2012 when a detailed investigation found that its long-term future was not viable and that the entire structure would have to be replaced.

Work on the new £320,000 bridge began in June and involved the diversion of utility services and the demolition of the old two-span bridge before construction on its replacement got under way.

Moray Council engineer Alasdair Donnelly, who has overseen the project, said there had been excellent inter-agency co-operation from everyone involved, including the Spey Fisheries Board, Scottish Natural Heritage and the Scottish Environment Protection Agency.

“I would also like to thank the local community for their patience and understanding over the past few months while work has been in progress,” said Mr Donnelly.

“The diversions which have been in place will have caused some inconvenience but I hope everyone will agree that the new bridge has been worth the wait.”