Elected Member Briefing Note 2023, No 139
About this Briefing Note
Report by: Mary Willis, Communications & Design Co-ordinator
EMBN Number: 139-23
Date: 30 December 2023
Subject: Weather response 30.12.23
Responsible Officer: Karen Donaldson, Chief Operating Officer
Details
Purpose
This Briefing Note provides a further update to Elected Members on the response to Storm Gerrit in Perth and Kinross.
Update
Storm Gerrit had a widespread impact across Perth and Kinross earlier this week (Wednesday 27 December 2023). The majority of roads have now reopened, with the exceptions of those listed below. Further periods of heavy rain and snow on higher ground have meant that the road crews on duty remained busy overnight, and throughout today.
Road closures
The B954 Alyth to Meigle Road at Crathies Bridge and the New Alyth to Ardler Road at Aberbothrie both remain closed due to flooding. The A93 snow gates at Glenshee were also closed again at 3pm today due to snowfall, high winds and drifting snow.
Perth Flood Scheme
Given today's conditions across the Council area, the potential impact of the current weather front, and to ensure that resources can be fully deployed to respond to that, all flood gates which are currently closed are remaining closed, i.e.
Commercial Street/Bridgend Court - with the exception of the one gate at Bridgend Court which can only be accessed through a currently unoccupied private property. However, given current predictions this is not expected to cause any issues.
North Inch
Harbour/Lower Friarton - with the exception of five gates which remain open to facilitate access to businesses.
South Inch
We are continuing to monitor the situation taking into account SEPA's flood forecast and any updates to Met Office weather warnings, alongside flow levels in the Tay, before any decisions are made regarding reopening any of these flood gates.
Bridge of Cally
Following further monitoring and review of work to be undertaken at the bridge at Bridge of Cally, the investigation and works to remove damaged/loose stonework took place this afternoon under a full closure of the bridge and with full diversion signage put in place.
The suspended section of bridge parapet remained in place despite efforts to remove it safely with an excavator. While removal has not been possible, this situation reflects that the parapet remains stable, and the bridge was reopened within less an hour to minimise disruption to local residents/businesses and motorists.
Nonetheless, to safeguard the public, further barriers have been added in the interests of vehicle protection. A 26-tonne vehicle weight limit is also now in place and will remain in operation until further notice. Drivers of all vehicles with a greater than 26-tonne gross weight will be asked to avoid the area and follow the relevant diversion signage (diversion route is via the A924 to Pitlochry, on the A9 to Dunkeld, then the A984 to where it meets the A93).
There continues to be significant potential for the road needing to be closed again in case of further movement of the remaining wall and other structural material below. Therefore, officers will be continuing daily monitoring of the bridge and will take all necessary actions as required, in the interests of public safety.
In terms of further contingency measures, officers are liaising with a supplier regarding the feasibility of installing a temporary bridge on site and will be contacting BT and SSEN about the potential for working around their cables during such an installation.
Forecast
There has been no significant change to the general forecast conditions for a band of snow over the weekend, turning gradually to rain. The Met Office has adjusted its weather warning for medium impact rain and snow over the northern half of Scotland today to reflect a slight increase in expected rainfall, but otherwise there are no other changes to time or level of risk. We will continue to monitor weather forecasts and local information. Pitlochry High School remains on standby for use as a rest centre if required.
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