Residents of the Aberdeenshire village of Laurencekirk say they are forced to use a dangerous diversion as a result of a road closure which has now been shut for almost two years.
The Oatyhill bridge was closed in August 2020 after it was deemed structurally unsafe, forcing some residents and farmers to make a diversion which involves joining the A90 dual carriageway at a junction which is notorious for accidents.
Jim Stuart, vice chair of Mearns Community Council, said the bridge closure had a big impact on people living at one end of the village.
He said: “The quality of life in Laurencekirk has been undermined and it is a real kick in the teeth.
“Due to the bridge closure cars have to cross a notorious stretch of the dual carriageway which is just unreasonable. Farmers are really struggling and it is making their livelihoods more difficult.
“The bridge was well used by the public. We need the bridge back. It is a part of the community.”
Due to uncertainty over the 170-year-old bridge, Aberdeenshire Council delayed plans to build a new junction layout involving a flyover, which could help to reduce fatalities in the area. Stuart said: “The council objected to the new grade separated junction simply because if the bridge was closed then properties and farms would be marooned.
“Aberdeenshire should have never taken on liability of the bridge if they won’t do anything for it.”
Cabinet maker Geert Swaans’ family is one of those cut off from the rest of the village.
He said: “We have to cross the dual carriageway for everything we do, whether its going to work, doing the school run or just going out.
“It can be a long wait to cross it, sometimes 10 minutes, and there have been some near incidents. It can be very worrying.”
Carol Medlock, a member of Mearns Community Council, said: “As a community we are waiting with bated breath for this to happen. The junction will be phenomenal. We desperately need it to open, it is currently a very dangerous crossing.”
Her fellow community councillor Mike Robson added: “The current junction is not safe at all, as it can get so busy and cars are travelling at 70 miles per hour. If they can reopen the bridge it will avoid people having to use the dangerous junction.”
Aberdeenshire Council said: “The structure is no longer capable of dealing with modern motorised traffic. Consideration has been given to the potential to rehabilitate the bridge, but that is not possible.
“Discussions are ongoing with Transport Scotland to consider potential options to provide alternative access opportunities which will enable the Trunk Road junction project to be progressed.”
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