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Meeting Title:
Marr Area Committee
Meeting Date:
14/08/2001
Meeting Time:
10:00:00
Arrangements:
Hall, Stewart's Hall
Huntly, Huntly
Agenda Item
Number:
7
Agenda Item Title:
Strengthening of
Candacraig Bridge,
near Ballater
Item Description:
Report by Head of
Roads
Planning App Ref
No(s):
Agenda Item Import:
REPORT TO MARR AREA COMMITTEE – 14th AUGUST 2001
U158M – BALLATER – DINNET AND KINORD ESTATE
STRENGTHENING OF CANDACRAIG BRIDGE NR BALLATER
1
Reason for Report
1.1
This report asks the Committee to approve the strengthening of a Candacraig Bridge near Ballater, which does not meet
current loading standards, and instruct the Director of Transportation and Infrastructure to arrange for the implementation of the work.
2
Background
2.1
The Council has for a number of years been undertaking assessments of the strength of all its bridge stock. This has been
necessary in order to accommodate the introduction of 40 tonne vehicles, which have been permitted on British roads since the 1st
January, 1999. This bridge has been identified as being severely under strength.
3
The Proposals
3.1
It is proposed to strengthen the bridge over the Lary Burn by removing the existing weak deck and replacing it with a
prefabricated steel bridge. The existing masonry abutments are to be retained as will the masonry pier. The parapets are to be replaced
with P2 parapets.
4
Discussion
4.1
The bridge is a simply supported structure with 2 spans of 4.24m and 3.12m, carrying the U158M to the North West of
Ballater. The location is as shown on the attached plan. The road is used by a local traffic serving the mainly agricultural hinterland.
4.2
A structural assessment of the bridge revealed that it does not meet current national loading standards. It is the policy of
Aberdeenshire Council, Bridge Related Policy B1 which aims to bring all bridges in Aberdeenshire up to current European Union load
carrying standards.
4.3
It is proposed that the existing steel beams and concrete deck be removed and replaced with a prefabricated steel bridge deck
which will be capable of carrying the current national loading standard. The estimated cost is £38,000 of which, £30,000 is for the
purchase and delivery of the prefabricated steel bridge deck.
4.4
In order to carry out the removal and reinstatement works it will be necessary to close the road for a period of only 2 days. An
alternative route is unavailable as the road ends shortly after the bridge (see location plan), however, the closure has been kept to a
minimum and discussions have been held with the owner of properties served by the road, with provisional agreement reached on timing
of the works and maintaining emergency services provision.
4.5
As the value of the works is less than £50,000, it is intended to award the work directly to Transportation and Infrastructure
(Operations).
5
Area, Staffing and Sustainability Implications
5.1
There are no area, staffing or sustainability implications arising from this report.
6
Policy Implications
6.1
This proposal is in line with the Built Environment objectives outlined in the Councils Environmental Charter and with Bridge
Related Policies Nos. B1 and B2 of the Councils Transport Strategy Document.
7
Financial Implications
7.1
The Council’s amended Capital Programme, which was approved by the Policy and Resources Committee on 14th June 2001
contains, within the Transportation & Infrastructure sub section, an allocation of £ 234,000 for Minor Bridge Strengthening from
Assessments during 2001/2002. The total estimated cost of the scheme, including planning, design and supervision is £48,000, which
will be met from this allocation.
8
Consultations
8.1
The local member, Councillor Marcus Humphrey has been consulted and supports the proposal. The Head of Law and
Administration and Head of Finance (Exchequer) have also been consulted.
9
Recommendations
9.1
The Committee is asked to :
(i)
approve the proposals for the strengthening of the Candacraig Bridge on the U158M North West of Ballater; and
(ii)
instruct the Director of Transportation and Infrastructure to arrange for the implementation of the works.
Report prepared by Joyce Sharpe
11 July 2001
MHT/DM/S/2/90/1/30
G:\trps\Struc\Scheme\Candacraig\Marr Committee Report.doc