Plans for a new bridge across the River Don have reached a landmark stage as council officials begin examining bids from four contractors.
The £1.5million project will involve the construction of the crossing itself, a stretch of road linking it to the road network north of the Don and the realignment and upgrading of roads to the south of the river.
Officials will now consider the tenders and are expected to make a recommendation to the finance, policy and resources committee later this month.
It is hoped the new link – along with the Aberdeen Western Peripheral Route (AWPR) and improvements to the Haudagain roundabout – will help to ease traffic congestion in the city.
Council leader Jenny Laing said the crossing was necessary to underpin the city’s continuing growth.
Ms Laing said: “The opening of the bids marks a clear milestone in this important roads project.
“The Third Don Crossing is a significant piece of infrastructure for Aberdeen, which will relieve pressure on the extremely busy roads network in the north of the city and help to reduce journey times and congestion.
“The next stage is to formally appoint a contractor, which we will do in the next few weeks to ensure construction can begin as soon as possible.”
Councillors agreed to build the crossing – which will connect the Parkway to St Machar Drive via Grandholm Village and Tillydrone – in January last year.
Work on the structure will start later this year with the new bridge due to open to traffic in late 2015.
Councillor Ross Thomson said: “This is welcome news for residents and businesses alike and I hope very shortly we are going to see spades in the ground – it’s sorely needed.
“The third Don crossing will bring increased connectivity to the city and a better environment for our business community to grow.
“It will also help encourage future investment.”