Early inspection reveals potential trigger of historic Spey bridge collapse
Members have been encouraged to avoid the area.
The collapse of a bridge described by its surrounding community as “a national treasure” may be linked to soil erosion, early studies have found.
The 19th century Spey Viaduct partially collapsed into the River Spey on Sunday.
Moray Council said an initial inspection by engineers has confirmed the collapse appears to be due to “scour”, where fast-moving water erodes soil, gravel or sand from around the base of a bridge.
Officials said when the bridge, near Spey Bay, was last inspected by a specialist contractor in 2023 there was no evidence of scour.
The council said the flow path of the river appears to have changed over the last year, which may have contributed to a change on how the water impacts the structure.
Many in the local community have been saddened by the collapse of the structure, which has a 350ft span over the main channel of the river.
Timmy Mallet, who became a household name as a children’s TV presenter in the 1980s and 1990s, described the bridge as a “national treasure” in the wake of its collapse.
The entertainment star previously rode across the historic Garmouth Viaduct, which it is sometimes referred to as, in 2022 when he cycled almost 5,000 miles around the British Isles.
The iron girder bridge was once a railway line but has become increasingly popular with walkers and cyclists.
Local businesses described the bridge as “a lifeline”, providing a route for visitors and residents to travel between communities.
The team at the Scottish Dolphin Centre, based at Spey Bay, said: “The economic impact of the bridge collapse will be felt by the Scottish Dolphin Centre and other businesses in our community, and we are deeply concerned by this.
“The next nearest bridge is at Fochabers, a long detour which will simply not be possible or safe for some of our visitors.”
Moray Council said the long-term future of the bridge will be considered in the new year.
It said: “We’re in the process of instructing a specialist engineer to undertake a more detailed inspection and assessment and hope that this can be progressed before Christmas or early in the new year.
“In the immediate future the area around the structure will be made safe with clean-up works to avoid further damage, with further detailed inspections necessary, by a specialist contractor, to determine any other works required.
“The longer-term future of the bridge will be considered in the new year after the initial clear-up operation, with options presented to councillors as soon as practicably possible.
“We’re well aware of the strength of feeling in the local community, and further afield, for this bridge and how well used it is by walkers and cyclists.”
The local authority said it is putting up more “robust” fencing around the viaduct and it urged members of the public to avoid the area.
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