Drop-in sessions at Banff Castle will unveil new active travel bridge proposals across the River Deveron
Residents of Banff and Macduff are being invited to attend informal engagement sessions which will showcase the current design for a proposed active travel bridge across the River Deveron.
Building upon the successful delivery of Aberdeenshire Council’s Integrated Travel Town Masterplan approach which has helped secure inward investment for active and sustainable travel in other areas, the authority is now focussing on supporting residents in the two north coast towns.
The two drop-in events at Banff Castle on Friday, October 9 from 10-4pm and Saturday, October 10 from 10-1pm will also provide updates on the other active travel routes proposed for the area as part of the Integrated Travel Town Master Planning process which will ensure active travel connectivity on either side of the proposed bridge and beyond.
The proposed active travel bridge – which would be set just downstream from the historic A listed Banff Bridge
The bridge design works, which have also received support from Transport Scotland, are currently being funded by regional transport partners Nestrans and are progressing well, with officers keen to receive feedback on how the design is developing.
The proposed active travel bridge – which would be set just downstream from the historic A listed Banff Bridge – would provide a safe, comfortable and attractive route for walking, wheeling and cycling between the two towns.
By removing the need for people to share the existing bridge deck with cars, buses and other heavy vehicles, the new structure is expected to transform local connectivity and encourage significantly higher levels of everyday active travel which supports wider efforts to make walking, wheeling and cycling easier across the region
The preferred design has been developed directly from community consultation and extensive engagement with local residents and stakeholders.
Feedback overwhelmingly favoured a short span bridge which mirrors the elegant arches of the existing stone structure, complementing its heritage while delivering a modern connection tailored to the needs of today’s users.
Speaking ahead of the drop-in events, Cllr Alan Turner, chair of the council’s Infrastructure Services Committee and vice-chair of the Nestrans Board, said: “It’s important that we are ambitious in our vision for the communities of Banff and Macduff, with improved access within and between the towns being a central focus of the local Integrated Travel Town Masterplan, an award winning approach already delivering active travel infrastructure across Aberdeenshire. I would encourage residents from both communities to attend our drop-in sessions and learn more about our ongoing commitment to the area.”
Cllr Doreen Mair, chair of the Banff and Buchan Area Committee, added: “We are delighted to see progress being made. The importance of this for our communities cannot be underestimated and we look forward to seeing how the ambitious bridge project progresses and how it will link to wider active travel aspirations. In other areas, infrastructure such as this can be a great economic enabler which will also support our drive to be a more prosperous area.”
By removing the need for people to share the existing bridge deck with cars, buses and other heavy vehicles, the new structure is expected to transform local connectivity