More than £350million has been handed out to Scottish construction businesses as a result of the Aberdeen bypass project.
The huge value of the sub-contracts awarded for the Aberdeen Western Peripheral Route and Balmedie-Tipperty dualling works has been unveiled by Infrastructure Secretary Keith Brown.
The firms have played their part in a range of key stages of the overall scheme, from drainage works to equipment hire as well as supplying steel reinforcement and concrete.
Revealing the sum today, Mr Brown said the investment was a clear example of how the £745million development was “stimulating” the north-east’s economy.
“These excellent opportunities provide companies of all sizes to be part of the longest roads construction project currently underway in the UK,” he said.
More than £115million has already been awarded to Scottish businesses, with another £60million still to be advertised.
The project is expected to bring in a further £6billion into the region’s economy, and create 14,000 new jobs, on top of 1,500 roles which have already opened up.
Mr Brown added: “These sub-contracts are just one example of how this £745million investment in the north east is stimulating the local economy during the construction phase, with many more significant benefits for road users, businesses, communities and industry on the way.
“New road improvements at Inveramsay Bridge will open soon to traffic which, along with the design work we are progressing on improvements at Haudagain roundabout and our ambitious plans to dual the A96 between Inverness and Aberdeen, contribute to an impressive package of transport infrastructure projects that are being delivered for the north east.”
Transport Scotland has confirmed the development is on schedule and is due to open next year.
Meanwhile, Aberdeen Central MSP Kevin Stewart has welcomed the news that long-awaited improvements to the Haudagain roundabout will be carried out upon the completion of the AWPR.
He said: “It is gratifying to see these infrastructure investments for our area come to fruition, to ease traffic congestion, cut pollution in our city and to boost our economy. The SNP Government is delivering for the north east.”
