Temporary Road Bridge a Step Closer at Hatton

Provision of a temporary road bridge at Hatton moved a step closer today. Peterhead South & Cruden SNP councillors Stephen Smith and Stuart Pratt have been pressing Aberdeenshire Council to ‘bridge the gap’ in getting a permanent replacement bridge by putting a temporary road bridge in place.

The resultant road closure has cut off a large part of the village to road traffic although pedestrian access was restored by means of a temporary bridge within two working days.

Gas and water mains and electricity cables running under and alongside the collapsed bridge have delayed matters and the councillors today received confirmation from Director of Infrastructure that Aberdeenshire Council will move forward on the provision of a Bailey bridge.

The councillors also raised a range of issues covering road gritting, temporary vehicle access using a Bailey-type bridge and timescale for a new replacement bridge.

Commenting, Cllr Stephen Smith, who met again with Mr Archer on Monday, said:

“This is a welcome step forward. I understand in matters of gas mains and electricity cables that great care is needed but the village needs to be reunited again as soon as possible, particularly when residents are faced with the sort of road conditions we are seeing this week.

“I hope now that the temporary bridge can be installed as soon as possible and reduce the inconvenience to Hatton residents.”

Councillor Stuart Pratt added:

“This is good news but there is still much work to be done to restore even temporary access.

“Along with my colleague Cllr Smith, I will continue to push for these works to be carried out swiftly.”