A95 to be closed in Cromdale for bridge installation

A £200,000 project to replace the footbridge in the centre of Cromdale is moving into its final phase.

It means the A9 will need to be closed for one night this weekend.

The new wider crossing is about to be installed across Cromdale burn.

It marks the last major step in the replacement project, with the new bridge set to be open to the public in mid-November.

Work began last month to upgrade the existing footbridge which runs parallel with the trunk road.

The new timber and steel bridge will replace the current structure which is worn-out and in need of repair.

The new wider structure will allow for easier access by wheelchairs, mobility scooters, pushchairs and cyclists.

The final phase involves lowering the new footbridge into position using a large 200-tonne crane from the A95 road bridge.

In order to complete the installation safely, the A95 will be closed overnight as the crane will be on the centre of the carriageway.

Teams have scheduled the overnight closure to take place from 11pm on Saturday until 6am the following day.

All light vehicles will be diverted via the A939 and B9008 via Tomintoul, with HGVs diverted to Elgin as the shorter route is not suitable for heavy goods vehicles.

Consultation has been carried out with the emergency services, MSPs, MPs, local residents, businesses, transport operators and hauliers to inform them of the project and the diversions that will be in place overnight.

Andy Thompson, BEAR Scotland’s North East Representative, said: "The Cromdale footbridge replacement project has been progressing well, and we’re now turning towards this final phase which will see the new bridge lowered into position by crane.

"We only ever close roads when it is essential, and in this case the bridge has to be closed for everyone’s safety during the installation of the new footbridge.

"We’ve taken steps to minimise disruption as much as possible during this last phase by scheduling the works to take place overnight and at the weekend when traffic is generally quieter.

"Our teams will do all they can to complete the new bridge installation as quickly and safely as possible, and we hope the community will be pleased with the results once the bridge opens in the coming weeks once the last remaining works are completed.

"In the meantime we encourage all road users to plan ahead by checking the Traffic Scotland website for up to date journey information."

Real time journey information is available from Traffic Scotland on www.trafficscotland.org or twitter @trafficscotland.

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