The first phase of restoration and protection works have begun on Banff Bridge in Aberdeenshire.

Pier base work began this week and is expected to last until Friday. The work will involved the installation of four masonry cutwaters to the upstream face of the intermediate supports. The bridge has six piers in total, with the remaining two cutwaters are expected to be installed before the end of the year.

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The works are being undertaken while the bridge is still open to traffic. A single lane system is in operation using three-way traffic lights, but is restricted to off peak times, between 09:00 and 15:30.

The works can only be carried out during low tide, so the duration of the traffic lights is further restricted and will only be in place for around three hours during each day, to coincide with low tide times between 09:00 and 15:00.

Traffic management is further impacted by the emergency closure of the A98 at Shore Street in Macduff due to the fire at the Highland Haven Hotel.

"Aberdeenshire Council apologises for any inconvenience caused by these essential works and all measures will be taken to keep the traffic flowing as smoothly as possible," a statement said.

(IT/CD)