Statement from Moray Council on potential closure of Delfur Bridge, near Boat O’ Brig

After intense rainfall we inspect our bridges, and the Delfur Bridge near Boat O' Brig has shown significant erosion since its last inspection in September 2018. A number of masonry blocks have dislodged on the abutment – the structure on which the bridge sits.

We’ve put down sandbags to add a layer of protection and reduce further deterioration, and we've installed traffic lights on the bridge to ensure drivers have to reduce their speed.

We will undertake an inspection of the Delfur Bridge this afternoon, tomorrow morning and tomorrow evening. Most of the rain is forecast tomorrow. If there is an increase in the water level and the sandbags are not held in place, we will be forced to close the bridge. Due to the landslips on the Ordiequish and Cairnty roads, this will mean three roads will be closed in the area.

This potentially leaves circa 16 properties with no access roads.

Moray Council is liaising with our partner agencies and our Emergency Response Co-ordinator is fully briefed on the situation.

Our contact centre and out-of-hours staff have been briefed and we are liaising with Health & Social Care Moray to give advance warning to its service users of any potential closure. Please share this message with anyone you know who lives in the area. A map of the risk area is attached to this.

If the road is closed, this will be detailed on Moray Council’s website: https://secure.moray.gov.uk/mcalerts/portal/servicestatus.aspx#RoadsandTransport

Famous for its colony of dolphins, fabulous beaches and more malt whisky distilleries than any where else in Scotland, Moray is a thriving area and a great place to live. Nestling between Aberdeenshire and the Highlands, Moray stretches from Tomintoul in the south to the shores of the Moray Firth, from Keith in the east to Brodie Castle in the west.