Network Rail has finished significant renewal work on the Banff Turnpike railway bridge near Keith, allowing the A95 road to reopen to traffic a fortnight earlier than planned.

The bridge, which carries road traffic over the main Aberdeen to Inverness rail line, was displaying signs of ageing and required strengthening to guarantee both its reliability and public safety.

The renewal project constituted a complete rebuild, which involved replacing the original bridge deck with a new reinforced concrete structure, undertaking necessary masonry repairs, and fitting more robust safety barriers. These comprehensive upgrades will enhance safety for road users and protect the integrity of the critical railway infrastructure beneath it.

The closure of the A95 was a necessity to enable engineering teams to work on the structure safely. The completion of the work on Friday 5 December—two weeks ahead of its projected deadline—helped to significantly lessen the disruption on the local community and expedite the restoration of this key route through Moray and Keith.

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Allison Flanagan, Project Manager at Network Rail, commented on the importance of the work: "The Banff Turnpike bridge is a vital part of the Aberdeen to Inverness line, which connects communities across the northeast and supports passenger and freight services. Renewing the structure now avoids more disruptive interventions in the future and ensures the railway continues to operate safely and reliably. We appreciate the inconvenience caused during this project and are really grateful for the support of the local community. This investment ensures the bridge remains safe and resilient for many years to come and we're pleased to have completed the work ahead of schedule."

Tim Eagle, MSP for Highlands and Islands, expressed his satisfaction with the quick completion: "I'm delighted to see the Banff Turnpike reopening ahead of schedule following the completion of Network Rail's works to renew the structure. This bridge is an important connection for our community, and I know how much local residents and businesses across the North East rely on it. I'd like to thank Network Rail and their partners for completing the works and ensuring the bridge can continue to serve road and rail users for many years to come."

This project forms a part of Network Rail's broader investment programme in Scotland's Railway, which is focused on improving and maintaining infrastructure to meet future demands and ensure smooth service operation.