Moray Council sets out next steps for the Spey Viaduct following collapse

The viaduct, a much loved local landmark forming part of the Moray Coastal Trail and National Cycle Network (NCN1), has been fully closed since the incident.

While an investigation into the cause of the collapse has begun, it cannot be completed until the fallen spans are safely removed from the river. Making the structure and surrounding area safe is now the Council’s immediate priority.

Engineers reviewed two potential methods for removing the damaged spans:

Option 1 – Lift each span out in one piece

• Requires major heavy lifting operations
• Carries significant safety risks due to the instability of the structure
• Likely to cause additional damage
• Estimated to cost over £1 million

Option 2 – Cut the spans into smaller sections and remove them piece by piece (option agreed)

• Safer for contractors
• Reduces the risk of damaging the remaining structure
• More practical given access limitations through Garmouth
• Estimated to cost around £500,000

After examining safety, engineering risks and cost, council officers and specialists agree that removing the spans in sections is the safest and most practical approach at this stage. The Council will now seek Listed Building Consent for the works. Historic Environment Scotland and other regulatory bodies have already indicated support in principle.

Once the collapsed spans are removed and the site is safe to access, a full investigation will be carried out into:

• what caused the collapse
• the condition of the remaining structure
• the viability of reinstating the viaduct

Transport Scotland is contributing £37,000 into the investigation of the collapse and condition of the structure and £16,500 for a high-level assessment of the economic benefits of the viaduct.

Work has also begun to identify temporary diversion routes for walkers and cyclists, including an alternative cycling route already under assessment. An additional £60,000 of funding from Transport Scotland will support these initial measures, bringing the total contribution to £113,500.

Options for reinstating the viaduct in the longer term will be explored by Moray Council. The community has asked the Council to consider a temporary replacement crossing; this can be explored, but early estimates suggest costs of £1.5-2 million, and this will be considered alongside reinstatement options.

To ensure sharing of views and information to inform decision making by the Council, a Steering Group will be established involving community representatives, local businesses, landowners, contractors and council officers.

Council Leader, Cllr Kathleen Robertson, said: “The Spey Viaduct is an important and much valued part of our local heritage, and we fully understand how strongly the community feels about its future. Our first responsibility is to make the site safe, which is why we are moving forward with the recommended method to remove the collapsed spans.

“At the same time, we are committed to continue working closely with residents and partners to explore every option for restoring connectivity along this route. This includes investigating the cause of the collapse, assessing whether reinstatement is possible, and identifying the funding needed to support future decisions.

“We know how important certainty is for the community, and we will continue to engage with the local community through the steering group and keep the wider public informed as this work progresses.”

Tenders for the removal work are due in early February. If approved, work will begin as soon as possible, followed by the detailed investigation into the remaining structure. Further updates will be provided as more information becomes available.

The history of the bridge, full details of inspections that have taken place and maintenance work carried out on the Spey Viaduct can be found in the committee report here.