TL:DR
- The historic Garmouth Viaduct in Moray, Scotland, collapsed into the River Spey.
- Built in the 1880s, it served as a railway bridge before being converted to a walking route.
- Local MSP Richard Lochhead expressed community sorrow over the loss.
- Engineers are assessing the structural integrity and future of the viaduct.
- The bridge closure impacts the National Cycle Network route, and public safety measures are in place.
140-year-old railway bridge loved by walkers collapses into River Spey
A historic viaduct has collapsed into the River Spey in Moray, Scotland.
The structure was originally built in the 1880s as a railway bridge but has recently been transformed into a walking route.
Pictures show one of the iron girder bridge’s stone piers twisting at an angle as the metalwork twists and falls into the river.
Engineers will be assessing the Garmouth Viaduct’s structure.
MSP Richard Lochhead, who represents Moray, said: ‘The local community will be heartbroken by the collapse of the much-loved Spey Viaduct, which is not only an iconic structure but also incredibly popular with walkers, cyclists, and tourists.
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‘I’m now in touch with Moray Council seeking answers around when and by whom the structure was last checked, and what happens next with regards to the future of the bridge.’
Councillor Shona Morrison added: ‘I was incredibly saddened to hear the news about the collapse of the Spey Viaduct.
‘The viaduct holds such a special place in my family’s heart; it is devastating to see the collapse of such a well-loved and iconic landmark.’
Locals took to social media to share their reaction to the historic structure’s collapse.
One commented on Facebook: ‘Such mixed emotions today, so many childhood memories of this bridge. Hope somehow it can be repaired in time as historic.’
A visitor who was taken aback by the bridge’s beauty commented, ‘Oh no! I was lucky to be able to walk across this beautiful bridge in May this year.
‘It was stunning, a beautiful sunny day in a part of Scotland I hadn’t previously visited, but certainly will again.
‘This is so sad; I hope that repairs can be made to restore the bridge to its former glory.’
What is the Spey viaduct?
The Spey viaduct is a railway bridge that was first constructed in June 1883 by an engineering firm in Aberdeen.
Its single bowstring structure measures at 368ft in length and 40ft high.
Only 40 men were needed to build the entire bridge.
The building was completed on October 22, 1885, weighing 558 tonnes and able to withstand a rolling load of 354 tonnes.
The bridge’s structural integrity was compromised by flooding on several occasions but trains still began to travel across it on April 10, 1886.
It cost £40,000 to build.
In May 1968, the bridge retired with the closure of the railway line, but the actual structure survived due to how much it would have cost to entirely remove it.
Source: Forgotten Relics
A spokesperson for Moray Council said: ‘Please note the closure of the Garmouth Viaduct, on the NCN1 route, until further notice.
‘Due to a partial collapse, the Garmouth viaduct over the River Spey and immediate surrounding area is closed until further notice.
‘Our engineers are aware and will assess the situation before further details can be provided.
‘Members of the public and media are asked to keep their distance from the rest of the bridge structure.
‘Do not pass the police cordon in place and do not climb on any part of the bridge – thank you for your cooperation.’
WTX News has contacted Police Scotland for comment.