Repairs to an historic Deeside bridge designed by renowned engineer Isambard Kingdom Brunel begin this week.

Balmoral Bridge will close today, November 22, for essential repairs and maintenance following water damage to its timber structure.

The works involve the replacement of water damaged timber planking on the deck and support timbers at both ends of the bridge. The new timber elements will match existing specifications.

The work, estimated to cost £45,000, includes the renewal of fixings and the reinstatement of deck joints and is scheduled to take five weeks.

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During this time the bridge will be completely closed to all vehicles and pedestrians because of the need to lift the deck surface panels.

The diversion route will be to cross the River Dee at Ballater Bridge, then onto the B976 South Deeside Road.

Balmoral Bridge was constructed in 1857 to a design by Brunel. It is a category A-listed heritage structure which carries the B976 over the River Dee.

Philip McKay, Aberdeenshire Council’s head of roads and landscape services, said: “It has become necessary to carry out repairs on Balmoral Bridge and with work beginning we aim to complete the project in December.

“The repairs are the precursor to a more comprehensive scheme for strengthening the bridge and renovating all the metal deck elements.

“Design work for this more complex scheme and all of the necessary consultations have just started, and we expect this work will be carried out later in 2011.”

(GK)