Moray MSP seeks council report over Lhanbryde railway bridge flooding
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LHANBRYDE residents have raised concerns with Moray's MSP that flooding is getting worse under a local railway bridge.
Moray SNP MSP Richard Lochhead has sought a report from Moray Council’s chief executive regarding ongoing problems with flooding of the road under the railway bridge at the Lhanbryde bypass.
Mr Lochhead has been contacted by constituents concerned that flooding under the bridge has worsened in recent months and are looking for the road authorities to take action to address the issue.
Meanwhile local Conservative councillor Marc Macrae (Fochabers Lhanbryde) said today that he had also raised locals' concerns with the council.
He added that plans were afoot to install pumping equipment at the site, where drainage has become blocked.
Mr Lochhead said: "A number of constituents have been in touch with me to express their frustration at the frequency of flooding under the bridge and the disruption it causes for drivers and local cyclists.
"Some concerns have also been raised about cars not getting through when the road is impassible and backing up onto the busy A96."
Mr Lochhead said he had to turn back from the bridge due to flooding recently when rain appeared to have caused that section of the road to flood.
He added: "It’s clearly an issue that is causing some concern amongst local residents and I’ve asked the council for a report so I can understand what’s causing this part of the road to flood so often and what steps can be taken to address the problem."
Cllr Macrae said he had brought the matter to the attention of the roads department at the start of this year following contact from Innes Community Council.
He said: "On a number of occasions this year that council have brought in a tanker to remove the surface water which ponds at this location.
"The drainage has become blocked by sand and earth from adjacent fields over time, and the solution proposed by the council is to install pumping equipment at this location to remove the water and feed it into suitable drainage."
He added that the works were included in the 2021/22 maintenance plan and would be scheduled when possible.
Cllr Macrae added: "It is unfortunate that we are seeing more and more heavy rainfall events, and I am aware myself of a number of vehicles which have become stuck trying to go through the water, which at times can be much deeper than people think.
"I would ask people to be patient as the works are planned, and to heed warning signs when they are erected and take a detour if possible to avoid becoming stuck or indeed suffering damage to their vehicle.
"I'm grateful to the Northern Scot for highlighting this issue which, thanks to pressure from members of Innes Community Council earlier this year, is very much in hand."
