Chronic corrosion prompts Averon footbridge closure in Alness with knock-on impact on traffic in Easter Ross town as questions raised over safety inspections
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THE closure of a badly corroded footbridge in an Easter Ross town has had an impact on road traffic and raised questions about the safety inspection regime.
The Averon footbridge in Alness was closed last week on the grounds of public safety after a member of the public alerted Highland Council over the level of corrosion on part of its support structure.
Following an inspection of the bridge, Highland Council said the level of corrosion was so severe that the integrity of the structure is "completely compromised" and unable to support any loading.
An update from principal engineer (structures) Simon Farrow stated: "This will significantly reduce the structural capacity of the bridge and therefore I have therefore requested that the footbridge be closed until we can repair it.
"As a result of closing the bridge, we have introduced traffic lights on the adjacent B817 bridge, reducing traffic to a single lane and allowing pedestrians to cross the river. These traffic lights will remain in place until we can make the footbridge safe.
"I will be in touch with a more detailed update in the near future once we have had the opportunity to assess the options for repairing the bridge."
Members of the public have taken to social media to question the extent of the inspection regime given its poor state of repair.
One stated: "That’s more than a couple of years of corrosion and the fact it was reported by a member of the public, does unfortunately suggest that it hasn’t had regular inspections as it should have."
Another stated: "Accident waiting to happen at that traffic lights as you can’t see the crossing for traffic."
A Highland Council spokesperson said yesterday: “The council has had to close the Averon Footbridge in Alness on the grounds of public safety due to corrosion of the footbridge pier. The footbridge will be closed until repairs can be made.
"Traffic lights have been introduced on the adjacent B817 bridge, reducing traffic to a single lane and allowing pedestrians to cross the river. These traffic lights will remain in place until the council can make the footbridge safe. The council will assess the options for repairing the bridge.”
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