More delays to Third Don Crossing
An eight week time extension's been agreed for the new bridge over the River Don
The Third Don Crossing's been delayed for another eight weeks.
It's being blamed on bad weather, re-routing underground facilities and other unforseen circumstances.
This is just the latest delay to the £22 million bridge, which was due to be completed by the end of last year.
Aberdeen City Council Communities, Housing and Infrastructure convener Councillor Neil Cooney said: "This is Aberdeen’s largest major new bridge infrastructure since the construction of the Queen Elizabeth Bridge 30 years ago and projects of this size are technically complex..
‘While we recognise how frustrating these delays are for people, it must be remembered this is a major project which includes two bridges, creating a new road, re-alignment of existing roads, creating cycle paths, and pavements.
"The Third Don Crossing project will help transform getting around the city 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.
"Once the bridge is open, people on both sides of the River Don will see a tremendous difference getting around the city."
Balfour Beatty is the main contractor for the Third Don Crossing and has been instrumental in adding extra resources to ensuring work changing a roundabout to a signalled crossing is carried out quickly over the Easter weekend to minimise disruption to motorists.
St Machar Drive is closed for several days while it is being resurfaced to allow the new signalised junction as part of the Third Don Crossing project to be constructed, which replaces the existing roundabout at Bedford Road. St Machar Drive was closed from 7pm on Thursday 24 March and will reopen at 6am on Tuesday 29 March 2016. It is anticipated that disruption will be minimised due to many organisations and schools being closed for the Easter holiday.
Local diversions and additional restrictions within the Tillydrone area will also be in place to facilitate these works. Motorists are asked to use an alternative route if at all possible. Scheduled bus services to and from Tillydrone will however be accommodated during the closure.
George Hood, Balfour Beatty Managing Director, said: "We continue to support Aberdeen City Council in order to ensure all works are completed as quickly as possible.
"Once complete, the Third Don Crossing will play a significant role in improving local transportation routes. All other works continue to progress at a good rate."