Aberdeenshire Council is currently awaiting the remainder of the laboratory results and final materials testing report on the internal condition of the crossing and the inspection report on the external elements of the structure.

The concrete tests carried out on site have so far demonstrated that the strength of the concrete cores varies considerably.

The council stressed that the reports it will receive from the testing contractor won’t constitute an options appraisal on how to repair the bridge - it will only provide the properties of the concrete which will inform the structural analysis as well as the design of repairs.

This critical survey work and subsequent development of options will take several months and the council still hopes to be in a position to report back its findings in late August.

Thereafter – and very much dependent on the outcomes and decisions around the options and subject to continuing funding commitment – the council anticipates works commencing in the Spring of next year with completion by the end of 2025 or early 2026.

Aboyne Bridge – which carries the B968 Bridgeview Road over the River Dee – remains under an 18-month closure. It is still in use for pedestrians, cyclists and other non-motorised forms of transport only, and it is our hope that this can continue during the period of the closure.