Councillors and concerned residents have raised fears that a much-loved north east walkway could be permanently cut off by the new Aberdeen bypass.
Project partners in the Aberdeen Western Peripheral Route are proposing to close a section of the Deeside Way, near the B979 Milltimber Brae, for 14 months to allow construction work to take place.
The path traces the old Deeside Railway line and is popular with walkers, cyclists and dog walkers.
Aberdeen city councillor Ross Thomson said that users of the walkway would be diverted along Station Road in the meantime.
However, he claimed that people living close to the route have been told an originallyplanned pedestrian bridge across the new bypass – to link the Deeside Way – will no longer be built as part of the multi-million-pound scheme.
Concerns have been raised that a re-reroute would cause problems for Deeside Way users, who would instead have to walk on Station Road, which is without pavements and used by vehicles on a daily basis.
Mr Thomson also expressed fears the cost of wear and tear to the road would have to be picked up by residents as it was privately owned.
He has joined forces on the issue with Independent councillor and deputy leader of Aberdeen City Council Marie Boulton.
The latter said: “The bypass is having a major impact on the lives of many people who did not ask for this to happen.
“They have accepted the AWPR is being built but, quite rightly, they want mitigation, to ensure they can continue to live their lives.”
A Transport Scotland spokesman said: “The permanent bridge over the AWPR will be built as set out in the plans in 2007. This will allow users of Deeside Way to continue access along the Deeside Way and over the new AWPR.
“An alternative short diversion route will be in place for approximately 14 months to allow the AWPR works, including construction of the new bridge, to take place.
“Aberdeen City Council has published the details of the planned temporary diversion route in addition to the signage that will be put in place to guide users safely around the works.
“The planned diversion route will make use of public roads and public rights of way.”
Mr Thomson welcomed the response and said he hoped to see a permanent footbridge built in the future.
He added: “Officials on the ground had not communicated that to us.
“I hope that is something they progress with.”
