WATCH: AWPR builders called for Holyrood grilling

There's some progress towards opening the delayed Aberdeen bypass as the Scottish Government reveals the latest with a faulty bridge...

Contractors Galliford Try claim the bridge will be completed next month, and its bosses along with Balfour Beatty will be called before MSPs to answer to delays.

They face a Holyrood grilling as the Craibstone to Stonehaven and Charleston stretch remains unopened.

Speaking to Northsound News' Scottish Parliament-based political correspondent, Transport Secretary Michael Matheson told us: "If the committee want to explore that with contractors, then I think that will be a helpful contribution towards making sure that everything's being done that can be done, to get the section of the road that is complete open to traffic as soon as possible."

It's understood Galliford Try will meet the cost of the remdial works to sort out technical issues surrounding the bridge.

A Scottish Government statement on behalf of Mr Matheson stated earlier: 'I’m pleased that ARL have accepted my call for an urgent meeting and I look forward to discussing a hopefully swift resolution to the technical issues at the Don Crossing.

'I have been encouraged by Galliford Try’s trading statement today.

'This confirms the Don Crossing is expected to be completed in December, which is in line with what the Chief Executive Peter Truscott told me last week, before subsequently sending a letter that cast doubt on this. Given this statement is bound by stock market rules, I trust this represents a true reflection of their confidence levels and I look forward to this being reinforced by ARL at the meeting.

'Even more pressing, however, will be meaningful movement towards opening the remainder of the road as soon as possible.

'I can certainly see no impediment to this happening if ARL agree to the necessary contract variation on the table.

'I am determined we continue to work constructively with ARL.

'However, I will also be reminding it that it stands at the beginning of a 30-year relationship with the North East and it would be highly regrettable if substantial economic and social benefits are effectively being withheld in service of misguided commercial tactics.'

On Friday representatives from Galliford Try and Balfour Beatty meet the Cabinet Secretary for an urgent meeting requested by Transport Scotland.