Structural degradation and scour implicated in the historic Spey Bridge collapse

A historic iron girder railway viaduct spanning the River Spey partially collapsed on 14 December 2025, prompting immediate closure and safety cordons. The structure, commonly known as the Spey Viaduct or Garmouth Viaduct, was completed in 1886 and extends approximately 107 metres across one of Scotland’s fastest flowing rivers. Although rail services ceased in the 1960s, the bridge had been repurposed as a paved route for pedestrians and cyclists and formed part of the Speyside Way and the National Cycle Network. Drone imagery and photographs indicate that a stone masonry pier tilted significantly, leading to distortion of the iron superstructure and the failure of a central span into the river below.

Preliminary visual evidence suggests a progressive failure mechanism initiated at the foundation or pier level. The River Spey is characterised by high flow velocities and significant seasonal variability, which can induce long term scour at masonry pier foundations. Combined with ageing materials, potential loss of bearing capacity or lateral support may have triggered rotation of the pier, transferring unanticipated stresses to the iron girders. Once geometric stability was compromised, the metalwork experienced torsional deformation and collapse. Such vulnerabilities are common in historic bridges where original design assumptions, maintenance regimes, and hydraulic conditions no longer align with present day demands.

Moray Council has confirmed that the viaduct will remain closed pending a detailed structural and geotechnical assessment. Engineering investigations are expected to focus on foundation condition, scour depth, material degradation, and residual stability of the remaining spans. The incident highlights the critical need for proactive inspection and asset management strategies for heritage infrastructure exposed to aggressive hydraulic environments, particularly where public access remains permitted.