Work is starting on Monday (September 2) on a replacement footbridge which will make a scenic stretch of the River Don suitable for pedestrian, cyclists and wheelchair users.
The new Far Burn Bridge will complete a four km continuous section of an all-abilities path and also provides a long-distance route into Aberdeenshire, via the old railway line route the Formartine and Buchan Way which is part of the Nation Cycle Route network.
The bridge will be 14m in span which will ensure the path is suitable for wheelchair users and increase the flood capacity of the burn which it crosses. In addition, the Far Burn is in a quite steep valley and a long bridge is necessary for it to span across.
The new bridge will provide health and environmental benefits by encouraging people to walk and cycle along the peaceful river setting rather than using their cars. This project will be a fantastic addition to the existing path network in Aberdeen and will provide an opportunity for people to enjoy the attractive setting and wildlife of the River Don.
The bridge will have an attractive hardwood timber decking and rails to be in keeping with the natural surroundings, with steel supports and rested on gabion stone baskets. The path adjoining the bridge will be a three metres wide sealed surface path.
The work is scheduled to be carried out until October 11, and the contractor is CR Contracting Ltd. The bridge is being made off-site and will likely be put together in sections which will mean that the path will be closed for the duration of the works. A signed diversion is in place during the works, and the contractor has put out signs on site advising of the path closure. This time of year has been chosen for the construction in order to avoid the bird nesting season.
The project is being funded by the cycling charity Sustrans, through its Community Links programme, which supports projects which make towns and cities friendlier and safer places for people to walk and cycle.
Farburn Bridge artists' impression