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Road back for Dura Den after flood damage

A scene of devastation at Dura Den.
A scene of devastation at Dura Den.

It is almost a year since severe flooding resulted in significant damage to the roads infrastructure at Dura Den, causing sections of roadway to collapse and considerable damage to be caused to several homes.

The warning was sounded last November that it may be two years before the hamlet devastated by the flooding returns to normal. Part of the road through Dura Den was washed away by the torrent that ripped through the community in the early hours of October 12.

Now, Fife Council transportation services has announced that detailed ground investigations, environmental studies and option designs for the repair works have been carried out and a four-part strategy developed.

In a memo to local councillors, officials have stated that the first part of the repairs covers a section of straightforward, low-cost wall and parapet repairs that will be carried out while the road closure is in place at Dura Den. A contract with a value of close to £150,000 has been awarded to Realm Construction and work is expected to commence in mid-October.

This work includes:

* Full reconstruction of three lengths, totalling approximately 22 metres, of retaining wall between Grove House and Charlie’s Rock. These sections of wall have either collapsed or undergone significant movement and damage, leaving them at risk of future collapse. Other areas will undergo reconstruction of the parapet wall and general repointing works.

* Demolition and reconstruction of approximately five metres of retaining wall adjacent to Heathcote House. This wall is saturated and displays evidence of movement.

* Reconstruction of the upper part of approximately 12m of retaining wall, which is leaning, adjacent to The Laurels.

* Reconstruction of approximately 60m of low parapet wall at the rock outcrop to the north of The Laurels. This wall has been substantially weakened by tree roots and flood damage. It is also substandard as a parapet and will be raised as part of the works.

* Construction of approximately 140m of new stone parapet opposite Weighbridge Cottage, where currently a post and wire fence provides negligible protection to a drop of approximately three metres.

* Reconstruction of the top section of approximately five metres of the above retaining wall opposite Weighbridge Cottage, which has been displaced.

* Over the above areas, approximately 300 square metres of general repointing of damaged stonework and over clearance of over 200 square metres of vegetation growing in mortar joints.

The second part relates to the high-value, more complex damaged road supporting structures between the Coach House and Heathcote House. This high-priority project is to be considered as part of the council’s £10.8m budget proposals for Climate Change in the next few months.

Detailed design work is being carried out by consulting engineers, in preparation for funding being allocated. This design work, and investigations to provide information necessary for the work, is costing around £66,000.

The third part relates to measures required to mitigate a reoccurrence of the watercourse flooding. Short to medium-term intervention was implemented during the period of flooding by the removal of the weir, but a longer-term view is required. This is a more time-consuming process, involving a specialist flood scoping study, development of option appraisals, liaison with SEPA and various affected parties and the development of an eventual low-cost scheme. The flood scoping study is to be commissioned shortly.

The fourth part relates to the repair works in relation to the area at the Coach House in the hands of parties appointed by the insurers of the property and not included in the council’s repairs programme.