CREATION OF FOOTBRIDGE linking Seatown in Cullen with the local golf course is set to get under way.
The £418,000 project to replace the bridge originally built by the Cullen Town Council in the 1930s was approved by Moray Councillors in June last year.
Safety concerns were raised at the time over the positioning of the bridge just 16ft from the existing structure, however these were dismissed by local councillor Ron Shepherd who insisted it would be constructed in a manner that would ensure it did not interfere with residential sewage tanks.
At the time Councillor Shepherd said the new structure would be “the busiest wee bridge in Moray”, adding: “It has been sited alongside the current bridge because in its initial location we would have needed to lift septic tanks to begin construction.”
Revealing that work was about to commence, a Moray Council spokesman said: “The replacement bridge will also be approximately one metre higher to reduce the risk of flooding at high tide.
“The bridge is the only safe pedestrian access between Seatown and the beach car park and golf club. The existing bridge will remain in use until work on the replacement is completed in July, following which it will be demolished.”
Balfour Beatty Construction Services will be responsible for building the new steel bridge with timber decking. The works will also include diversion of water and electricity supplies and an extension to the seawall and tarmac footways.