A complex replacement of the Montgarrie Bridge, near Alford, has been completed four weeks ahead of schedule.

A major project to rejuvenate the 110-year-old bridge over the River Don at Montgarrie started at the beginning of April and was due to finish on November 21.

The bridge was dismantled and re-built as part of a £706,000 project to create a safe crossing for all vehicles and a pedestrian footpath, which previously did not exist.

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The new two-span reinforced concrete bridge, designed by Aberdeenshire Council, retains the existing granite substructure, which has been strengthened.

It features a new steel 'lattice' parapet, in tribute to the appearance of the original bridge, which was built in 1898.

Glasgow contractor George Leslie Ltd carried out the work and despite some challenging constraints they managed to finish early whilst maintaining a high standard of workmanship.

Aberdeenshire Council’s structures manager, Malcolm Taberner, said: "We are really pleased with the work done on the bridge; it was a tough project but the finished product, and the fact that the work was finished ahead of schedule, is definitely something that we and the surrounding residents can be proud of."

(GK/JM)