On-going construction to the AECC will force Dyce Drive to close for six weeks from Monday.
Commuters in Aberdeen are advised that a full road closure of Dyce Drive between Wellheads Drive and the A96 will be in place from Monday February 19.
The road closure is to complete the remaining Dyce Drive works as part of the construction of the multi-million-pound new Aberdeen Exhibition and Conference Centre.
Drives face a headache of road works as the closure is scheduled to last up to six week period. Motorists had previously faced lengthy delays from the closure of Dyce Drive throughout October into the the new year.
Resurfacing is taking place along this stretch of road although access to the airport will still be possible from Dyce Drive, via the link roads at Dyce Park and Ride at Craibstone and Wellheads Drive.
Aberdeen City Council, its development partner Henry Boot Developments (HBD) and main contractor Robertson are in the process of delivering the new AECC facility at Bucksburn, which will open in 2019.
Council transport spokesman Ross Grant said: “This is not a decision that has been taken lightly and it is unfortunate that the works have to take place to allow the project to proceed.
“We of course sympathise with drivers and we would ask them to build in more time into their journeys and use the alternative routes provided.”
SNP Councillor, Michael Hutchison, also commented on the Dyce Drive closure: “I realise further restrictions will cause additional frustration to motorists who have been very patient regarding the AECC construction work and the impact on the road network.
“It is up to the Council and the Contractors to ensure that the works are properly advertised and any diversions signposted.”
The AECC, which will have a maximum capacity of 12,500, is due to open next year.
During its first decade in operation, the facility is expected to attract 4.5million visitors boosting the city’s economy by £113million.
The 150 acre site is also expected to bring more than 350 full-time equivalent jobs to the city by 2029.
TIMELINE
- September 28: The roadworks are first announced
- October 2: Dyce Drive shuts for two weeks
- October 13: Robertsons confirms the road will be closed for a further two weeks
- October 27: Motorists are told the closure could be extended for three more weeks
- November 13: Dyce Drive opens to northbound traffic, with southbound to follow on December 4
- December 3: The contractor announces the road will close fully from 4am on
- December 4, and reopen at 10pm on December 8.
- January 9: Westbound A96 carriageway closes with contraflow set up on the eastbound carriageway.
- January 15: The western carriageway of the A96 beween Dyce Drive and Airport Road is expected to be shut for the next 10 weeks
- February 19: Dyce Drive between Wellheads Drive and the A96 road closed
