Third Don Crossing completion delayed by seven weeks

The finish date for the Third Don Crossing has been delayed by seven weeks due to "unforseen" problems.

Published 17th Nov 2015

The finish date for the Third Don Crossing has been delayed by seven weeks.

It's due to problems with re-routing underground utilities.

The 318m project will now be complete in March - after a time extension agreement between Aberdeen City Council and main contractors Balfour Beatty.

Aberdeen City Council Finance, Policy and Resources Committee vice-convener Councillor Ross Thomson said: “I am disappointed that the re-routing of utilities to the AWPR means that work above and around the immediate area is delayed.

“However, due to the huge size and scale of the project – which is Aberdeen’s biggest major new bridge infrastructure for 30 years since Queen Elizabeth Bridge – it is not a surprise that some unexpected issues do crop up from time to time.

‘The City Council is strongly and robustly encouraging utility companies to avoid unnecessary diversions.

“Work and progress is continuing at a good rate over the rest of the site and once the bridge is open, people at both sides of the River Don will see a tremendous difference getting around the city. After 30 years, finally Aberdeen is getting the bridge it needs and deserves and this administration is getting the job done.

“Along with other major projects which Aberdeen City Council is investing in including the AWPR, the A96 Park and Choose and Airport Link Road, and the Berryden Corridor, getting around the city will be transformed.”

The project requires the construction of two major bridges, with the first over the Mill Lade at Grandholm Village and the second over the River Don.

The Third Don Crossing will see the construction of a new single carriageway link road between the Parkway/Whitestripes Road junction and the Tillydrone Avenue/St Machar Drive junctions.