WORKS on a critical scour protection scheme on the A98 Banff Bridge have been completed.
Story Contracting delivered the project on behalf of Aberdeenshire Council over a nine-month period.
Designed by John Smeaton and constructed in 1779, the category A-listed Banff Bridge required essential scour protection works to six piers and both abutments due to increasing river levels and climate-related pressures.
Regarded as critical in safeguarding the long-term integrity of the structure, the bridge had previously been identified as a risk with the works now protecting it for ‘many years to come’.
The project was delivered across two phases and included the installation of a 250-metre cofferdam to divert river flows and enable safe access for in-river works. Operating within the River Deveron presented a number of technical and environmental challenges, requiring careful planning, environmental mitigation, and close collaboration throughout.
Works involved the removal of existing unstable material, riverbed preparation, and the installation of a comprehensive scour protection system. In total, the team installed over 2,900 rock mattress units, secured with more than 3,600 anchors, alongside 280 sheet piles used to construct the cofferdam system. These works were carefully sequenced to manage river flow, minimise environmental impact and ensure safe delivery in a live water environment.
Environmental protection remained a key focus throughout, with measures implemented to safeguard sensitive ecological receptors, including fish habitats and protected species. Regular ecological monitoring and close liaison with stakeholders ensured compliance at every stage of the project.
The project also achieved an excellent health and safety performance, with zero accidents or incidents recorded throughout the duration of the works. The council said this reflects the strong safety culture maintained by the Story team, supported by ongoing briefings, hazard reporting and proactive risk management.
The completion of the works was marked with an end-of-project event held on site at Banff Bridge, bringing together representatives from Aberdeenshire Council, Story Contracting design consultants Amey, and the wider project team.
Councillor Alan Turner, chair of Aberdeenshire Council’s infrastructure services committee, said, “We are delighted to confirm the completion of this important Banff Bridge scour protection scheme. This innovative approach to scour protection, utilising rock-filled mattresses with driven ground anchors, will serve to protect this valuable council asset from scour risk for decades. Story Contracting overcame some considerable challenges in the delivery of this project and their commitment and the council’s significant financial investment has ensured we can maintain a vital and valuable transport link for the people of Aberdeenshire and the north-east.”
James O’Sullivan, senior project manager at Story Scotland, added, “We are delighted to have been involved in the A98 Banff Bridge scour protection scheme, working closely with Aberdeenshire Council on behalf of the people of Banff and the surrounding area.
Throughout the project, we navigated significant technical and environmental challenges associated with carrying out highly intrusive works in the River Deveron. By working collaboratively with Aberdeenshire Council, our supply chain and stakeholders, we have successfully delivered this vital project, providing scour protection to this incredible structure for the next 100 years.”
Throughout the project, the Story team maintained a strong focus on delivering positive outcomes for the local community, generating more than £35,000 in monetised social value.
