en.Wedoany.com Reported - The key scour protection project at the A98 Banff Bridge, completed by Story Contracting on behalf of Aberdeenshire Council, has officially finished after nine months of work.

Designed by John Smeaton and built in 1779, this Category A listed structure faced scour risks to its six piers and two abutments due to rising river levels and climate-related pressures. The bridge had previously been identified as having structural safety concerns.

The project was delivered in two phases. The team first installed a 250-meter-long cofferdam system to divert water from the River Deveron, providing safe access for in-river construction works. Operations within the River Deveron presented numerous technical and environmental challenges, requiring careful planning, environmental mitigation measures, and close collaboration throughout.

Works included removing existing unstable materials, preparing the riverbed, and installing a comprehensive scour protection system. In total, the team installed over 2,900 rock mattress units, secured with more than 3,600 anchors, and used 280 sheet piles to construct the cofferdam system. The construction sequence was meticulously orchestrated to manage river flows, minimize environmental impact, and ensure safe delivery in a live water environment. Regular ecological monitoring and close liaison with stakeholders ensured compliance at all project stages.

Environmental protection was a key focus, with measures implemented to safeguard sensitive ecological receptors, including fish habitats and protected species. The project also achieved an excellent health and safety record, with zero incidents or accidents recorded throughout the works. The completion was marked by a project close-out event at the Banff Bridge site, attended by representatives from Aberdeenshire Council, Story Contracting, design consultant Amey, and the wider project team.

The project generated over £35,000 in monetized social value, including providing local work placements, conducting on-site STEM education activities, carrying out litter and beach clean-ups, and collaborating with supply chain partners to support local initiatives and donations.

Councillor Alan Turner, Chair of Aberdeenshire Council's Infrastructure Services Committee, stated that this scour protection method, using rock-filled mattresses and driven ground anchors, will protect this valuable council asset from scour risks for decades to come. Story Contracting overcame considerable challenges in delivering the project, and their commitment, alongside the council's significant financial investment, has ensured the maintenance of a vital transport route.

James O'Sullivan, Senior Project Manager at Story Scotland, added that through collaboration with Aberdeenshire Council, the supply chain, and stakeholders, the project team successfully addressed the significant technical and environmental challenges of highly intrusive works in the River Deveron, providing scour protection for this incredible structure for the next 100 years.

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