Aboyne Bridge update 5.12.25
Aberdeenshire Council has provided an important update on the future of Aboyne Bridge, following new findings which have raised fresh concerns about the condition of the structure.
Philip McKay, Head of Roads and Infrastructure, said: “As part of the ongoing design work for remedial repairs to Aboyne Bridge further planned invasive site investigations have been undertaken over the recent months. These further tests were required to confirm assumptions made earlier in the option appraisal work.
“Unfortunately, this work has confirmed that there are further anomalies in our understanding of the bridge design and several new significant structural issues. With the information we had available at the time, the preferred option to carry out limited strengthening repairs to restore an 18-tonne weight limit was considered to be the most appropriate option, however that is no longer the case.
“It has now been established that the reinforcement in a critical part of the main bridge span, the hinge, is not what we had expected from the original design drawings. This compromises the original assumptions that were made regarding potential solutions to strengthen this element
“Due to the length of the bridge, the steel reinforcement bars required to be joined. To achieve a structurally competent connection, in this case the joint is created with a device known as a coupler. Recent invasive investigations examined the condition of one of these couplers and found it to be suffering from significant corrosion, much worse than previously noted in the main reinforcement bars. While only one coupler was inspected, it is highly likely that the deterioration is repeated across the bridge. As a result, these elements cannot be repaired in the way we had planned.
“Finally, the main deck is showing much more extensive concrete deterioration in critical areas than anticipated and this would mean that carrying out a reinstatement of the deck to re-establish a structurally sound reinforced concrete element would not be possible in the way we had planned.
“As a result of these findings, we are urgently reviewing the previous work done on our options appraisal with engineering consultants WSP to determine the most viable way forward. More information on the previous option appraisal work can be found here: https://aberdeenshire.moderngov.co.uk/ieListDocuments.aspx?CId=157&MId=7831&Ver=4
“However, it is clear from these latest findings that this will significantly delay the previously published repair programme. At this stage it is not possible to be more precise about the revised programme and that will become more apparent as the review of the optional appraisal work develops. Further updates will be provided as soon as more information becomes available.
“While we remain fully committed to keeping pedestrian access open, the newly identified deterioration and defects are an added cause for concern and to ensure the structure remains safe for all active travel users, we will now carry out regular load tests on the bridge.
“Aberdeenshire Council fully recognises the significant and ongoing impact that the closure of Aboyne Bridge has on daily life in the area both for residents and local businesses. We continue to treat this as a priority and our teams and contractors are working as quickly as possible to identify a safe, reliable and sustainable solution for the community.”
For details and background information visit https://engage.aberdeenshire.gov.uk/aboyne-bridge