Works at Charleston Junction step up a gear

The Aberdeen Western Peripheral Route/Balmedie to Tipperty (AWPR/B-T) project will take another huge step forward next week when construction works will substantially increase at the Charleston Junction.

These works will include the construction of a new bridge to carry road users over the existing A90 and existing Charleston Junction slip roads, the realignment of the A956 and widening the A90 to three lanes in each direction.

Due to the proximity of these works to live traffic on the A90, major traffic management is required to enhance the safety of construction workers and road users. These measures will include closing the access from Lochton to Auchlunies to Nigg Road (C5K Banchory – Devenick Road) to the A90; opening a new signed diversion for road users; and the implementation of a 50mph speed restriction on the A90 at Charleston.

Access closure / Diversion
From Wednesday 26 October, access to the A90 from Lochton to Auchlunies to Nigg Road (C5K Banchory – Devenick Road) will be permanently closed in line with the previously published project details. Signed diversions will be in place to help road users join and leave the A90. Maps showing the diversion routes are available to view on the AWPR/B-T project website.

Speed restriction / Designated lanes
From Wednesday 26 October, a 50mph speed restriction will be in place on the A90 at Charleston 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Road users will be advised via signage to ‘Get In Lane, Stay In Lane’. Road users heading northbound can remain on the A90 by using the outside lane while road users on the inside lane can choose to stay on the A90 or to join the A956 (Wellington Road). Work is also ongoing with a view to installing average speed cameras on the A90 through this section to enhance safety for construction workers and road users. Further details on this will be available shortly.

A Transport Scotland spokesperson said: “The works due to be undertaken at Charleston are extensive and it is therefore necessary to implement comprehensive traffic management measures to ensure the safety of road users and construction workers.

“It will take time for road users to become accustomed to the new restrictions at Charleston and we are therefore strongly encouraging road users to apply more caution than usual when driving through or nearby this section of the A90. Road users should also observe the 50mph speed restriction and road signage to enhance their safety, as well as the safety of others.

“Road users may find it useful to plan their journeys in advance. Detailed maps showing how some typical journeys will change at the Charleston junction are located on the AWPR/B-T project website and will give road users an idea of what to expect. They should also consider reviewing the general traffic management information on the same site and both the Aberdeen City Council and Aberdeenshire Council websites for detailed information on local roads.”

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.

For the latest traffic management information, visit the AWPR/B-T project site. Traffic management is subject to change.