The A939 road from Gairnshiel Lodge eastwards towards Ballater is due to close for two weeks from Monday, August 22.

The closure is necessary to carry out essential works to the existing A939 which will improve road alignment sufficiently to facilitate delivery of the new bridge deck and to allow passage of the large crane which will be required to lift the new deck into position.

All changes made to the existing road will be permanent which will also contribute towards improved road safety in this location in the longer term.

Earlier this year, Aberdeenshire Council awarded the £3.8m contract for the replacement crossing to Wills Bros Civil Engineering Ltd, with completion expected by Spring 2023.

The existing Grade A-listed structure – built in the mid-1700s – is no longer suitable for modern day traffic and with ever-increasing volumes of vehicles and larger, heavier loads, the bridge has suffered significant damage over many years. However this ‘faithful old servant’ will be retained for use by non-motorised users.

Its new downstream replacement will have two lanes of traffic and will be capable of carrying large goods vehicles.