The viaduct, which formerly served the Great North of Scotland Railway, was later paved over and became part of the National Cycle Network.
Moray Council has confirmed that a police cordon has been set up around the 350ft bridge, and has urged residents to stay away from the partially-collapsed structure.
Moray Council told passersby to avoid the bridge. (Image: Peter Jolly)
A statement read: “Due to a partial collapse, the Garmouth viaduct over the River Spey and immediate surrounding area is closed until further notice.
“Our engineers are aware and will assess the situation before further detail can be provided.
“Members of the public and media are asked to keep their distance from the rest of the bridge structure.”
Images show the middle of the bridge broken in half and reaching the water below.
Reacting to the news, Scottish Conservative MSP Tim Eagle, who is based in the area, said he would ask the Scottish Government to help fix the bridge.
He remarked: “This is a sad and shocking thing to have happened.
“The Spey Bay Bridge is very popular and well used, and will be much missed. Sadly, its closure will cause a very lengthy diversion which I fear may affect local communities and businesses nearby such as the Scottish Dolphin Centre at Spey Bay.”
Read more:
He added: “It will be really important to put together a plan for a replacement, if we assume the bridge is beyond repair. This can be done as we saw at Lossiemouth when its footbridge was closed.
“Let’s get all the relevant agencies and potential funders together and agree on the first steps as soon as possible.”
Local councillor Shona Morrison said she was “incredibly saddened by the news”.
She remarked: “The viaduct holds such a special place in my family’s heart, it is devastating to see the collapse of such a well-loved and iconic landmark.”