Project Details
Description
Works are required to stabilise the Finavon Bridge (Structure 510), a three span structure that carries the A90 (northbound) dual carriageway over the River South Esk, following recent storms, and periods of extremely elevated river flows and levels.
The structure has been subject to ongoing deterioration since Storm Babet in October 2023, when record river levels in the South Esk Catchment caused extensive scour, erosion of the riverbed and undermining of the structure’s abutments. Emergency measures were implemented including placement of rock mattresses and rock bags to reinstate eroded bed levels, infilling of the undermined abutment and installation of additional rock bags to protect the abutment and stabilise the underpass.
Permanent repairs have subsequently been designed and programmed for delivery in summer 2026. However, further severe weather in January 2026, and associated high river flows has resulted in additional damage, including cracking along the underpass, displacement of existing rock bags, and additional undercutting at the abutments. Emergency works are therefore now required to maintain short-term structural stability until the permanent works can be undertaken.
The proposed emergency works include:
- Repositioning of displaced rock bags along the underpass and within the channel.
- Installing additional rock bags where previous units have been damaged or washed away.
- Removal of a dislodged tree between the abutment and the structure.
These works are essential to prevent further deterioration and ensure the continued safe operation of this key trunk road structure.
The following plant and machinery will be required will include:
- Excavator and crane for repositioning and placing rock bags.
- Chainsaws and hand tools for removal and sectioning of the lodged tree.
- Heavy Goods Vehicles (HGVs) to transport rock bags.
Works will be undertaken during day-time working hours only and anticipated to be of an approximate one-week duration.
A reduced traffic flow is anticipated to be required during the construction period, with traffic management (TM) proposed to consist of a contraflow system, or single lane closures.
Access to the northern abutment and underpass will be required from an existing access track in place from the 2023 works, located in a field to northwest of the structure. Access to the southern side will be required from an existing footway.
The total works area is less than 1ha.
Location
The scheme is located along a rural section of the A90 at Finavon, Angus at the following National Grid Reference (NGR) (Figure 1) - NO 49305 57263.