A90 reopens with contraflow following Storm Babet flooding

Divers have now carried out underwater inspections of bridge supports

The main A90 trunk route through north east Scotland has reopened after Storm Babet damaged a bridge near Finavon.

The road was closed between Forfar and Brechin while engineers waited for the water level to recede before inspecting the two "high-risk structures".

They found "considerable erosion" of the bridge at Finavon and a contraflow system has been put in place.

Contractor Amey said the restrictions would remain in place until repairs were completed.

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Surging water on the River South Esk had delayed underwater inspections.

Amey said its engineers were on site near Finavon at first light on Monday but had to wait for the water flow to subside before it was safe enough for divers to check the bridge support foundations.

Tom Wallace, from the Scottish North East Trunk Roads Unit, said they had to wait until the speed and level of the water had receded to ensure the safety of the workers on site.

"Storm Babet has had a significant impact on the bridge at Finavon carrying the A90 over the River South Esk," he said.

"In order to reopen the entirety of this route, and for the safety of the travelling public, it was essential that we install a contraflow system until repairs are completed."

Elsewhere, Aberdeenshire Council said the A92 coastal road remained closed between Montrose and St Cyrus, where a bridge would only be inspected when it was "safe to do so."