The historic Bridge of Keig, near Alford, will re-open this weekend following the completion of major strengthening and repair works to the structure.

The bridge will open on Saturday, September 18 after work to reinforce the internal structure and external repairs to the walls and road surface have been completed.

Specialist contractors for Aberdeenshire Council began repairs to the listed structure this summer following final clearance from Historic Scotland for the works.

The project, which cost approximately £150,000, began in July as soon as the proposed repair solution had been approved.

As part of the eight-week programme of works, steel anchors were inserted into holes drilled in the bridge’s masonry to reinforce the 183-year-old structure.

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Head of Roads and Landscape Services for Aberdeenshire Council, Philip McKay, said: “Repair work began on the bridge at the end of July and has progressed according to plan. All of the strengthening works are to the internal structure and there has been no change to the external appearance of the bridge.

“We are aware the bridge is important to the local community and are pleased the work has been completed on schedule.”

The bridge was closed to all traffic in February following structural damage to its walls and road surface during sustained winter weather.

Aberdeenshire Council bridge engineers immediately conducted a series of inspections of the structure to assess what work was necessary for repairs.

Due to the bridge’s Grade A listing, consultations began with the authority’s planning service and Historic Scotland to find the most appropriate repair solution.

A design in principle for the use of steel anchors was obtained from the specialist contractor and a listed building application was granted at the end of May.

Approval for the works was received in July and preparations were made to start repair work to the bridge at the earliest possible opportunity.

The Bridge of Keig is one of the largest near-semicircular single-span masonry arches in Scotland, with a span of 30m and spandrel wall heights of nearly 15m.

(GK/KMcA)