Cloddach Bridge to close to vehicles tomorrow on public safety grounds
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THE Cloddach Bridge, near Birnie south of Elgin, will close to all motorised vehicles from tomorrow, February 4.
Moray Council have taken the decision on public safety grounds following the results of a specialist inspection carried out by a senior engineer. The inspection revealed substantial corrosion and degradation of the structure.
The council have applied the maximum length of time (78 weeks) for a temporary closure until they have more information.
That may be provided by an independent inspection which is due to take place within the next few weeks. Findings from that will establish whether a repair is possible and the associated costs.
Signage will be installed at the bridge to advise motorists of the diversion, and barriers will be in place to prevent vehicular access.
It remains open for pedestrian and cycle use, however the barriers may cause access issues. The diversion route for vehicles is via Elgin, following the B9010 >> Pluscarden Road >> Wittet Drive >> Wards Road >> Station Road >> New Elgin Road >> Main Street >> Birnie Road.
Emergency services were notified in advance of the closure.
Stephen Cooper, Moray Council's Head of Environmental and Commercial Services, said: "Public safety is our paramount consideration and, given the rapidly-deteriorating condition of the structure the council faces no alternative option and must close the bridge.
"We know that a diversion is inconvenient for local residents – and others – and apologise for the disruption this will likely cause."
In 2019 the weight-bearing capacity of the structure was around 60 per cent of the capacity of when it was built in the early 1900s.
And, in December last year, cameras were installed near the bridge in an effort to save the already weakened structure.
However, there has been rapid deterioration since as a result of weathering, wear and tear, and repeated overloading of vehicles despite mitigations such as height and weight restrictions being implemented.
This has significantly reduced the weight-bearing capacity to 45 per cent. As 32 per cent of the original capacity is required to carry the bridge's own weight there is only 13 per cent remaining strength for traffic loads, and as such the council deemed it unsafe for use by motorised vehicles.
