Storm Babet: A90 fully reopens as high water levels recede

The major trunk road was closed between Brechin and Forfar, causing significant traffic jams and delays in Brechin, Montrose and Arbroath

The A90 has now been fully reopened in both directions after heavy flooding during Storm Babet.

The major trunk road between Dundee and Aberdeen had been forced to close during the storm because of exceptionally high water levels.

Most of the road was able to reopen but the section between Forfar and Brechin remained closed until the early hours of the morning on Tuesday 24 October.

Amey engineers undertaking work on the A90. Image: Supplied.

During the closure traffic was diverted through Brechin, Montrose and Arbroath, causing significant traffic jams and delays.

However the road has now reopened, albeit with a contraflow system in place on the bridge over the River South Esk near Brechin.

Engineers were able to complete investigation work on two high-risk structures near Finavon after water levels and flow rates receded to an acceptable level.

These investigations revealed Storm Babet had caused “considerable erosion” of the bridge over the River South Esk, which is why a contraflow system is needed to keep motorists safe.

Emergency work took place overnight to install the contraflow system.

Tom Wallace, operating company representative for the North East NMC, said: “The danger posed by the speed and level of the water meant it was imperative we waited until these had sufficiently receded to ensure the safety of our workers on the site.

“Once these investigations were complete, and the results were known, we worked quickly overnight to implement a traffic management system that would get the A90 open again between Dundee and Stonehaven.

“Storm Babet has had a significant impact on the bridge at Finavon carrying the A90 over the River South Esk.

“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.

“We would like to thank all road users and the local community for their patience while this work was undertaken.”

The A90 reopened at around 5am on Tuesday 24 October, ahead of the morning rush-hour traffic.