AWPR works step up a gear at Stonehaven
The construction works for the Aberdeen Western Peripheral Route/Balmedie to Tipperty (AWPR/B-T) project at Stonehaven will take a major step forward on Tuesday 21 March when a contraflow is implemented on the approaches to the A90 bridge which carries the trunk road over the B979 Netherley Road.
These essential works will enable the part of the existing bridge carrying the southbound carriageway to be demolished and reconstructed. Once these works are complete, the contraflow will move to the new southbound carriageway to allow the remainder of the existing bridge carrying the northbound carriageway to be demolished and reconstructed.
The contraflow on the A90 will consist of two lanes of traffic heading northbound and one lane southbound. All traffic will initially be using the northbound carriageway. The contraflow is expected to add between 10 and 20 minutes to journeys during morning and evening peak travelling periods for road users heading south.
A Transport Scotland spokesperson said:
“The works at Stonehaven will involve the demolition and replacement of the existing bridge carrying the A90 over the B979; widening the B979 Netherley Road; the construction of new slips roads to and from the A90; and the creation of a new roundabout, which will form the junction between the AWPR, the A90 and the B979.
“These extensive works, which will be on-going until winter 2017/18, will be undertaken in close proximity to live traffic on the A90. Therefore, to ensure the safety of workers and road users, it is necessary to put in place a range of traffic management measures, including ‘get in lane’ and ‘stay in lane’ signage on the northbound carriageway, ‘use both lanes; and ‘merge in turn’ signage on the southbound carriageway, average speed cameras and temporary barriers. These measures will enhance the safety of road workers and road users.
“It will take time for road users to become accustomed to the new road layout at Stonehaven; therefore, we are strongly encouraging road users to apply more caution than usual when driving through or nearby this area. Road users should also observe the 50mph speed restriction on the A90 and all road signage to enhance their safety, as well as the safety of others.
“Road users should allow more time than usual for their journey, and may find it useful to plan their journeys in advance by reviewing the general traffic management information on the AWPR/B-T project site and both the Aberdeen City Council and Aberdeenshire Council websites for detailed information on local roads.”
The existing A90 northbound slip roads will remain open throughout the works but will be subject to speed restrictions, local realignments and occasional overnight temporary traffic lights.
Further information on upcoming weekend road closures of the B979, between the railway bridge and the existing A90 bridge, will be announced in advance. These road closures are necessary to enable the bridge to be demolished safely.
When complete, the AWPR/B-T will help to reduce congestion, cut journey times, improve safety and lower pollution in Aberdeen City Centre. It will also enable local authorities to develop public transport solutions.
Over the next three decades, the AWPR/B-T is expected to bring in an additional £6 billion to the north-east economy and create around 14,000 new jobs. Around 1,500 are currently working on the project, including on-the-job training for apprentices and local employment opportunities for long-term unemployed people.