No time lost in getting bypass plans under way

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

The agency yesterday published a Prior Information Notice (Pin) for the Aberdeen Western Peripheral Route (AWPR) 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.

Campaigners on Wednesday lost a last-ditch legal attempt to block the 28-mile route when five judges at the UK Supreme Court rejected a final appeal by protest group RoadSense to challenge the Scottish Government’s decision to approve the controversial project.

Transport minister Keith Brown 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 £6 billion 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.”

The bypass and the Balmedie to Tipperty scheme are to be developed as a single construction project under one non-profit distribution contract. Government officials are already working on revised costs for the scheme.