A section of Aberdeen’s granite mile has reopened after closure to allow council staff to “reinforce” physical distancing measures.
Union Street was shut from Holburn Street to King Street as hundreds of cones marking pedestrian space are replaced with more sturdy traffic cylinders.
Now, the section between Holburn Street and Bridge Street has been reopened to traffic.
The existing pedestrianised zone in from Bridge Street to Market Street remains in force.
The city’s main thoroughfare was the first area to be altered by the £1.76 million Spaces For People project, which has brought in temporary measures to make more room for distancing during the pandemic.
The roll-out of the Scottish Government-backed scheme has proven controversial in the city centre, as council staff claimed the emergency nature of the work meant there was little time for consultation.
Thousands have signed a petition calling for the measures to be reversed.
Amid a nationwide rush on cones, signage and other necessary supplies, the council first marked out Union Street with initial stocks to claim the space for physical distancing before shops reopened.
It is being stressed the more sturdy traffic cylinders put in today are still temporary but are less easily moved.
The closure was enforced at around 7.30am today as work was expected to last through until 4pm.
Council officers, backed by elected members, previously closed the Market Street to Bridge Street section of Union Street to all traffic, as well as number of other city centre roads.
A bus gate has been put in at the top of Market Street to provide an easier route for buses, now displaced from serving the city’s seven busiest stops in the pedestrianised zone.
Last week, so-called pavement extensions – timber decking with seats and flower planters – were installed in Union Street outside of shops, bars and restaurants.
Public health bosses have backed the work, claiming it could prevent a second spike of coronavirus in Aberdeen.
The road closures are designed to afford people space to walk, cycle and queue for entry to businesses safely, while some of the extra room created will be used by hospitality firms to trade.
Council transport spokeswoman Sandra Macdonald said: “The works we’re carrying out are temporary but we’re installing traffic cylinders for Union Street which will help to reinforce the pedestrian spaces and are a more attractive option than traffic cones.
“The traffic cylinders are being installed following the installation of street benches to help make these pedestrianised areas and widened pavements more welcoming and attractive.
“We’re continuing dialogue with local businesses in the city centre over how the scheme works as people continue to return to the area for shopping and leisure, and the interventions may change as a result.”
The Spaces For People project is not limited to the city centre, with changes to Victoria Road in Torry and Rosemount Place also in place.
Traders in Rosemount, a popular shopping destination, have been angered by the one-way system put in place over the past few days.
Council officers did involve trade association Rosemount Rocks and elected members in the planning – which resulted in change to initial proposals to allow buses to continue to use part of the road.
Proposals are being drawn up for George Street, commuting routes around the beach, and many other busy shopping areas across the city.
