Aberdeen Bypass now fully open to traffic
The whole length of the Aberdeen Bypass is now welcoming traffic.
All work on the AWPR had initially been set to be completed by spring 2018 - but the project was delayed by factors such as the weather and the collapse of construction firm Carillion.
Most of the road opened in December, but the final 7.5km was held up by technical issues with the Don crossing, as well as a disagreement between officials over the future maintenance of the AWPR.
That came just days after contractors told MSPs delays had resulted in hundreds of millions of pounds in additional costs, taking the overall cost to more than ÂŁ1 billion. It had been built under a ÂŁ745 million fixed-price contract
But over the next 30 years it is expected to bring an additional ÂŁ6 billion to the North East economy, according to Transport Scotland, and help create around 14,000 jobs.
“this allows the full benefits of this transformational project to be fully realised”
Transport Secretary Michael Matheson has thanked motorists, businesses and communities in the North East, who he said had been “extremely patient waiting for the final section of the road to be opened”.
Mr Matheson said the opening of the Parkhill and Craibstone stretch of the road “allows the full benefits of this transformational project to be fully realised”.
He added: “Since the major part of the road opened in December 2018, the overwhelmingly positive feedback has demonstrated the positive impact that infrastructure can bring about in people's lives, the quality of their environment and the economy as a whole.
“The bypass was first proposed over 65 years ago but it took this Government to take the project forward in a meaningful way back in 2007.
“Despite the many challenges since then, we have taken a responsible and steadfast approach to delivering for the long-term benefit of the people and businesses of the North East and Scotland as a whole.”
Confirmation of the opening date comes after Aberdeen Roads Limited provided the necessary technical assurances for the River Don Crossing, which were needed before the new section of road could open to traffic.
Both Aberdeen City Council and the neighbouring Aberdeenshire Council invested ÂŁ75 million in the work.
While it’s exciting the road is finally finished, slashing travel time for North East drivers, you’re being urged to drive with extreme caution while you get used to the new section between Craibstone and Parkhill and new road layouts on local roads.
The new section of road, around 4.5 miles long (7.5km), will link the southern Craibstone to Stonehaven and Charleston section with the Parkhill to Blackdog section in the north from early Tuesday morning.
The Craibstone, Parkhill and Kingswells North (northbound) Junctions will be fully opened to traffic once signs have been uncovered, road marking works completed and temporary traffic management measures removed. The link road connecting the C89C Chapel of Stoneywood to Craibstone Junction will also be opened to use, allowing work to begin on permanently closing its junction with the A96.
Police Scotland Chief Inspector Stewart Mackie, who is responsible for Road Policing in the North said:
“It is good to see the last section of the AWPR now opening. The Stonehaven to Craibstone section had a huge impact on traffic levels in the city and the final section will further improve journey times in and around Aberdeen.
"The Stonehaven to Craibstone section had a huge impact on traffic levels in the city and the final section will further improve journey times in and around Aberdeen."
“As with previous sections, I would urge motorists to take time to familiarize themselves with the layout. The final section is elevated and provides good views across the airport and north of the city. I would urge motorist to remain focused on the road ahead and not be distracted.
“The bypass is designed to the highest safety standards and as such we would hope that we see a reduction in casualties and collisions in and around Aberdeen as a result."