Council announces 40-mile diversion – for just 100 yards of roadworks in Mintlaw

By Cameron Roy

January 9 2023, 5:32 pm

The roadworks will be carried out near The Square roundabout in Mintlaw. Image: Roddie Reid / DC Thomson.

Work to install a pedestrian crossing in a north-east village will send motorists on a 40-mile diversion later this month.

The work will be carried on North Street in Mintlaw, from the roundabout at The Square to Simpsons Garden Centre.

But despite being a stretch of only 100 yards, Aberdeenshire Council’s official diversion is 40 miles long due to the unsuitability of other roads for large vehicles.

Motorists will be sent off the A952 Toll of Birness to Fraserburgh road onto the A90 around Peterhead.

The works will be taking place near The Square roundabout in Mintlaw. Image: Google Maps.

Aberdeenshire Council has defended the decision on social media.

Despite there being multiple smaller roads in the area, the council wrote: “We can’t divert traffic onto roads which are not suitable for larger vehicles.”

But they are offering passage for vehicles requiring access to properties.

Work is due to start on January 23 and will take seven days.

Community criticises closure

Many residents have criticised the plans on social media.

Steven McColm wrote: “That’s shocking can they no do one side at a time rather than closing the main route.”

Vicki Tait commented: “Seems a bit of a stretch of a diversion.”

Jimmy Jamieson wrote: “I want a job doing these diversions, looks a right laugh.”

But local Sandy Allan believes residents might not have to drive the full length of the official diversion.

He commented: “Obviously local car drivers and anyone else capable of reading a map will know other shorter diversions, however these may not be suitable for large trucks travelling in both directions.”

The council’s decision comes after another controversial diversion on the A93 will force drivers to endure a 33-mile diversion near Aboyne.

Crossing will be of ‘tremendous benefit’ to pedestrians

An Aberdeenshire Council spokesman said: “It is recognised that this is a temporary inconvenience for residents and commuters.

“But the creation of a crossing featuring tactile slabs and new kerbing will be of tremendous benefit to pedestrians in the future.

“We apologise for any inconvenience while this critical work takes place and please allow extra time for your journey if you need to make use of the diversion.”