AWPR - A90 Blackdog Junction to open next week
Blackdog Junction is expected to open to traffic next week following completion of a series of works on the A90, as part of the Aberdeen Western Peripheral Route/Balmedie to Tipperty (AWPR/B-T) project. This follows the opening to traffic of the new Balmedie Junction earlier this week.
The new Blackdog junction will improve local access to Potterton, Belhelvie, Blackdog and Blackdog Industrial Estate, as well as a number of local properties. There will be no access to the AWPR.
Construction works prior to Blackdog Junction opening to traffic
It is anticipated that the diversion over the new Blackdog Junction slip roads will end later this week. Road users will then be switched back to travelling on the A90 mainline carriageway. A series of off-peak lane closures will be in place which will enable the contractor to undertake lining works.
Following this, traffic will be put into contraflow, which will enable the contractor to carry out central reservation and barrier works in advance of the new junction opening. Traffic will initially run on the southbound carriageway and will then move to the northbound carriageway. There will be no access to the slip roads at Blackdog Junction while the contraflow is in operation. A temporary speed restriction will remain in place.
Diversions will be sign-posted. Whilst traffic is running in contraflow, it will not be possible to turn right into or out of Blackdog, Blackdog Industrial Estate and the Rifle Range. Road users heading north towards Blackdog should continue to the new Balmedie South Junction where they can join the A90 southbound. Road users intending to travel north from Blackdog should turn left onto the A90 southbound, turn around at Murcar Roundabout and re-join the A90 northbound.
Right turns will also be prohibited at Millden Junction. Road users intending to travel south from Millden should turn left onto the A90 northbound, turn around at the new Balmedie South Junction and re-join the A90 southbound. Road users wishing to turn right at the Millden Junction from the A90 should continue to Murcar Roundabout where they can turn around and re-join the A90 northbound.
The bus stop on the A90 northbound carriageway opposite Hareburn Terrace will be closed while the contraflow is in place; however, a replacement shuttle service will be available for those intending to travel north. This shuttle will pick passengers up at Hareburn Terrace and transport them to the northbound bus stop immediately south of Murcar Roundabout.
When the works are complete and the contraflow is removed, Blackdog Junction will become operational, however, there will be no access to the AWPR.
Construction works after Blackdog Junction opens to traffic
Following the junction becoming operational and the contraflow being removed, lane closures will be required on the A90 northbound and southbound carriageways for around one week to provide workers with a safe working zone to complete central reserve works.
Details of upcoming changes to road layout will be announced through Twitter via @transcotland.
A Transport Scotland spokesperson said:
“A number of side roads and bridges built as part of the project have already opened in advance of the new trunk road and, where practical, the contractor will continue to open sections of the new route as they become available for use.
“Earlier this week we announced that Balmedie Junction was open to traffic and we can now confirm that it is the contractor’s intention to open Blackdog Junction next week, further improving safety and access for road users in the north east.
“However, there will be no access to the AWPR. We respectfully ask road users to drive with more caution than usual and to observe all signage for their own safety, as well as for the safety of other road users and the construction workforce, while works continue in this area.
“We would also like to thank road users and the local community for their on-going support and patience during the construction works.”