PLANS have been unveiled for the build of an active travel bridge across the River Deveron to connect Banff and Macduff.
The proposed active travel bridge – which would be set just downstream from the historic A-listed Banff Bridge – would provide a ‘safe, comfortable and attractive’ route for walking, wheeling, and cycling between the two towns.
By removing the need for people to share the existing bridge deck with cars, buses, and other heavy vehicles, Aberdeenshire Council said the new structure is expected to transform local connectivity and encourage significantly higher levels of everyday active travel.
The preferred design has been developed directly from community consultation and engagement with local residents and stakeholders. Feedback ‘overwhelmingly’ favoured a short span bridge which mirrors the ‘elegant’ arches of the existing stone structure – complementing its heritage while delivering a modern connection tailored to the needs of today’s users, the local authority added.
Final bridge design works, which have also received support from Transport Scotland, are currently being funded by regional transport partners Nestrans, with council officers keen to receive feedback on how the design is developing. Two drop-in events will be held at Banff Castle on October 9 from 10-4pm and October 10 from 10-1pm.
Councillor Alan Turner, chair of Aberdeenshire Council’s infrastructure services committee and vice-chair of the Nestrans Board, said, “It’s important that we are ambitious in our vision for the communities of Banff and Macduff, with improved access within and between the towns being a central focus of the local Integrated Travel Town Masterplan, an award-winning approach already delivering active travel infrastructure across Aberdeenshire. I would encourage residents from both communities to attend our drop-in sessions and learn more about our ongoing commitment to the area.”
Councillor Doreen Mair, chair of the Banff and Buchan area committee, added, “We are delighted to see progress being made. The importance of this for our communities cannot be underestimated and we look forward to seeing how the ambitious bridge project progresses and how it will link to wider active travel aspirations. In other areas, infrastructure such as this can be a great economic enabler which will also support our drive to be a more prosperous area.”
