B976 A939 Gairnshiel bridge

    I asked Steve T about this before but realise I am still conflicted!

    The council roads info shows the bridge over the river as part of the closure of the A939 to Ballater. The diversion is shown as continuing east along Strathdon until heading south through Logie Coldstone.

    The same image shows the B976 open from the south side of the bridge to Crathie.


    Steve , did I misunderstand that you said the bridge could be crossed ?

    Screenshot_20220605-162341-187.png

  • flyfifer

    Changed the title of the thread from “B976 B939 Gairnshiel bridge” to “B976 A939 Gairnshiel bridge”.

    We came back that way weekend before last and it was open.


    According to a local who can see the bridge from his house, they are only closing the road as they need to when doing work on the replacement bridge, so a bit hit & miss and not reet helpful if planning a route north/south.

    Steve,

    I think that IS really helpful.

    It is what you might expect to be happening rather than a blanket closure.

    I don't imagine for a minute they are putting in weekends on the job so Sat and Sun could be ok.


    Unusually it is a Sunday that we would want it open !

    Next Sunday in fact.


    Thanks.

    Thanks for the update lads. We’re up that way in about 4 or 5 weeks. Does anyone know if the bridge works will be still ongoing or hopefully finished? It’s likely to be a Friday. Thanks in advance for any help.

    Quote from glenn2926

    Thanks for the update lads. We’re up that way in about 4 or 5 weeks. Does anyone know if the bridge works will be still ongoing or hopefully finished? It’s likely to be a Friday. Thanks in advance for any help.

    Will keep this thread posted with updates Glen


    When I passed they were sorting out the piers (groundworks etc) on the new bridge that they are building.

    While this is going on the old hump bridge will no doubt remain open.

    I think the issue is not so much getting across the river it's the contractor closing the road to the public to bring in plant/material.

    Dougie K and me will be there on Sunday and want to go to Ballater so will post.

    I am sure Steve T nailed it in his post.

    Any updates on the state of play with this bridge? We’re up that way on the afternoon of Friday 8th July. I have a couple of alternative ideas but we do all like riding up that particular road.

    Thanks in advance for any comments.

    Quote from flyfifer

    We were in Ballater last Sunday, 19th July .

    The road appeared to be open from both Crathie and Ballater - although we did not use it as we were not North bound.

    Thanks for the update. If anyone else has any more updates over the next couple of weeks please post them on here.🙏🙏🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

    As part of the works relating to the replacement of A939 Gairnshiel Bridge, the A939 road from Gairnshiel Lodge eastwards towards Ballater will be closed for two weeks from Monday, August 22.


    The closure is necessary to carry out essential works to the existing A939 which will improve road alignment sufficiently to facilitate delivery of the new bridge deck and to allow passage of the large crane which will be required to lift the new deck into position.


    All changes made to the existing road will be permanent which will also contribute towards improved road safety in this location in the longer term.


    The signed diversion route will be from the A93/A939 junction, east along the A93 to Dinnet, then north along the A97 to Strathdon, then west along the A944 to re-join the A939 at Colnabaichin.


    Please note that while the works take us towards the end of the Lonach Gathering it will not impact on any access. Similarly, the closure will be removed by the weekend of the Braemar Gathering and Tour of Britain events.


    Earlier this year, Aberdeenshire Council awarded the £3.8m contract for the replacement crossing to Wills Bros Civil Engineering Ltd, with completion expected by Spring 2023.


    The existing Grade A-listed structure – built in the mid-1700s – is no longer suitable for modern day traffic and with ever-increasing volumes of vehicles and larger, heavier loads, the bridge has suffered significant damage over many years. However this ‘faithful old servant’ will be retained for use by non-motorised users.


    Its new downstream replacement will have two lanes of traffic and will be capable of carrying large goods vehicles.


    This modern, yet sympathetic replacement will ensure local residents and visitors alike can continue to enjoy the delights the area has to offer while providing improved journey times and reliability.


    Short version.


    The A939 road from Gairnshiel Lodge eastwards towards Ballater will be closed for two weeks from Monday, August 22.


    The signed diversion route will be from the A93/A939 junction, east along the A93 to Dinnet, then north along the A97 to Strathdon, then west along the A944 to re-join the A939 at Colnabaichin.


    The works are towards the end of the Lonach Gathering/Games on Saturday 27th August 2022 but it will not impact on any access.


    The closure will be removed by the weekend of the Braemar Gathering/Games, Saturday 3rd Sept and Cycle Tour of Britain, Sunday 4th September 2022.

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