Significant structural issues have come to light in the Banff Bridge, a nearly 250-year-old Aberdeenshire landmark dating back to 1780. This has prompted the local authority to prioritize immediate restoration works, allocating £3 million for the crucial project.
Constructed over two centuries ago, the Banff Bridge has been assigned a ‘Red’ alert status, indicating a high likelihood of closure within the next five years if prompt remedial measures are not implemented. The discovery of severe structural concerns during recent investigations has heightened the urgency of the restoration project.
The proposed works include the construction of rock rolls and rock mattresses at the base of each of the six piers and two abutments. These measures aim to mitigate the potential risk of collapse due to the undermining of foundations during exceptional river spate events. The historic structure has faced repeated onslaughts from storms in recent years, exacerbating its condition.
In a recent meeting of the infrastructure committee, members were informed that another vital Aberdeenshire bridge, Aboyne Bridge, has been elevated to the second position in terms of urgency. This decision follows the discovery of significant concrete disintegration in the structure’s top deck. The 84-year-old Aboyne Bridge has been closed to all traffic since November last year and is estimated to require major works costing around £2.5 million.
Aberdeenshire is home to 1,311 bridges, and over the past four years, the council has made significant efforts to replace and refurbish these critical structures. Eight bridge replacements, including five lost in flooding at King Edward, and seven refurbishments have been completed. However, challenges persist, with 14 bridges closed in recent years, six subject to weight restrictions, and three facing width restrictions.
The complexity of managing this extensive network of bridges has prompted the council to implement a prioritisation programme, providing transparency regarding the urgency of required interventions. According to the chair of the council’s Infrastructure Services Committee, “There is no question that the management of our bridges requires very careful consideration, and this prioritisation programme does just that – providing clarity for the public to see which bridges require the most immediate interventions.”
Acknowledging budget constraints, the committee chair added, “With unlimited funding, we would, of course, want to see all our bridges repaired or replaced as required, but we have to face facts that we simply don’t have the budget to do that.” The vice-chair echoed these sentiments, commending the efforts of the council’s dedicated bridges team in safeguarding numerous structures with limited funding.
The prioritisation programme is viewed as essential to track the condition of Aberdeenshire’s bridges and determine the urgency of required repairs. The vice-chair emphasized, “Only through a prioritisation programme such as this will we be able to track the condition of our bridges and the urgency with which repairs have to be made.”
As Aberdeenshire grapples with the intricate challenge of maintaining its extensive bridge network, the restoration of the Banff Bridge stands as a symbol of the ongoing efforts to balance preservation with budgetary constraints. The allocated funds and prioritisation programme underscore the commitment of the local authority to safeguard these crucial pieces of the region’s heritage while navigating the financial challenges inherent in such endeavours.
In conclusion, the restoration of the Banff Bridge is a testament to the proactive approach of the Aberdeenshire Council in addressing critical infrastructure issues. As the council faces ongoing challenges in maintaining its bridges, the prioritisation programme provides a roadmap for addressing urgent needs while balancing budgetary constraints. The preservation of these historic structures remains a collective responsibility, ensuring the continued safety and functionality of Aberdeenshire’s vital bridge network.
