Project Details
Description
The works are required to ensure longevity and safe functionality of the structure (Fochabers New Bridge); due to the rate of deterioration across the structure. There will be two phases to the proposed works, with first covering investigation of the bridge structure to determine the repairs required and the second covering the maintenance repair works themselves. Both Phases of the works will be carried out through use of an underbridge unit suspended from the structure. The underbridge unit is truck mounted and will be located on the carriageway itself with no need to be in the watercourse or embankment.
Phase 1 of the works covering the investigation elements has already been completed. A previous RoD in 2024 was completed for these works. This RoD is covering the construction phase only.
Phase 2 of the works will be the main design and construction phase:
- Installation of Traffic Management (TM);
- Installation of deck waterproofing;
- Removal and replacement of road surfacing;
- Removal and replacement of expansion joints;
- Repair or replacement of the deck drainage system;
- Removal and replacement of lighting column;
- Removal and replacement of pedestrian guardrail;
- Concrete Repairs to both abutments and pier (saw cutting, hydro-demolition, concrete pouring). All hydro-demolition wastewater will be filtered and treated before being disposed of at a licenced facility;
- Partial blasting and repainting of steel box girder;
- Blasting, refurbishment and repainting of bridge bearings; and
- Removal of TM.
The works are currently programmed for the 28th July 2025 with exact timings yet to be determined however working hours are likely to be during day and night-time hours and over a duration of 6-8 weeks. The topside works (resurfacing and bridge expansion joints) will commence in July and the underside works (concrete repairs) will be programmed for later in the year.
Traffic Management (TM) will be utilised in the form of two-way traffic lights.
Location
The works are located just outside the town of Fochabers, Moray, northeast Scotland over an approximate area of 1,728m2. The works are taking place on the New Fochabers bridge which replaced the old Spey bridge in 1970 when the Fochabers bypass was built. The old Spey bridge still remains and is used as a pedestrian footway/cycleway. The new bridge is functional concrete deck on steel girder structures, consisting of two spans and built on a gradient falling towards the east. The central pier sits on the river's east bank, as with all Spey bridges, to allow for floodwater to pass without damaging the structure. The National Grid References (NGR) for the scheme extents are detailed below and illustrated in Figure 1:
- Scheme Start- NJ 34091 59410
- Scheme End- NJ 33995 59517