Extensive bridge repairs are to be carried out on the Formatine and Buchan Way this summer.

The route, therefore, will be closed at the bridge over the River Don at Parkhill from Sunday 30 June to Monday 8 July.

During this period, scaffolding will be erected to allow works, including the re-pointing of arch faces, arch vaults, abutments, spandrels, wingwalls, piers and parapets as well as the replacement of missing brickwork, to be carried out over a 16-week period.

The 50metre-long, three span masonry and brick arch structure crosses the River Don to the north of Dyce and is part of an old single track rail route and is now a cycle and pedestrian route, forming part of the National Cycle Network Route One.

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Aberdeen City Council is the lead partner in the project and has contracted Zenith Property Conservation Ltd to carry out the works, which must be completed during a frost-free period.

This means the work has to be carried out during the summer months, which is when the route is busiest. The Council has said it is not possible to provide a safe off-road diversion during the closure, and walkers and cyclists are advised to consider their options before heading out as they will have to start their journey north of the closed section. Cyclists and pedestrians should also be aware that the A947 can be very busy with traffic during commuter times.

A second brief closure may be required in late summer to allow for completion of the works, which will include resurfacing the bridge deck and increasing the height of the parapets.

The dates of these works and closure will be confirmed at a later stage.

(JP/CD)