Aberdeen bypass scheme forges ahead

By FRANK URQUHART
Published on 19/10/2012 12:33

Transport Scotland has taken the first steps towards the start of construction of the long-awaited Aberdeen bypass.

• The agency has published a Prior Information Notice today, indicating the start of work on the scheme

• A final appeal by protest grup RoadSense was rejected on Wednesday

• The project is expected to generate £6billion and 14,000 new jobs

The agency has today published a Prior Information Notice (PIN) for the Aberdeen Western Peripheral Route and the linked Balmedie to Tipperty roads scheme, signalling the start of the procurement process with the construction industry for the contract for the £400 million scheme.

On Wednesday, campaigners standing in the way of the 28 mile route lost a last ditch legal attempt to block the roads scheme when five judges at the UK Supreme Court unanimously rejected a final appeal by protest group RoadSense to challenge the Scottish Government’s decision to approve the controversial project.

Keith Brown, the Scottish Transport Minister, announced the decision to “forge ahead” immediately with the bypass scheme.

He said: “This has been a momentous week for the people of the north east, who have endured many years of delay for what is an essential project. The PIN publication immediately after getting the go-ahead is a clear sign that we are delivering on our promise to crack on with the AWPR and the A90 Balmedie-Tipperty dualling.

“Over the next three decades, the project is expected to bring in an additional £6billion to the local economy and create around 14,000 new jobs.”

He added: “This scheme will also bring environmental and road safety improvements, as well as enhancing the integration of public transport and access to Aberdeen. I look forward to seeing this historic road develop over the coming years and all the benefits that will bring for the people of the north east.”

Councillor Jim Gifford, the leader of Aberdeenshire Council, welcomed the move. He said: “The notice is an important milestone in what has been a long-awaited and much-anticipated project. I have no doubt that the momentum for the AWPR will continue as residents and the business community consider how this project has the potential to transform the north east.”

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