The first works on a long-awaited £30million plan to relieve pressure on one of Aberdeen’s worst bottlenecks will start within weeks.
The Haudagain bypass is expected to end years of traffic misery around the notorious round about – once tipped as the worst in Britain.
A 2008 government report identified a link road through Middlefield as the way of resolving the pressure around the well used route.
And now bosses at Transport Scotland have revealed that the first ground works are due to begin on Tuesday, May 9.
It’s understood that the seven week programme will involve inspections in Manor Avenue and Manor Walk although details are still being finalised between the council, contractor and the Scottish Government body.
Studies have estimated the hold-ups it causes where the A90 and A96 meet have cost the region’s economy up to £30million a year.
The project is designed to fit in with the Aberdeen bypass and other traffic busting measures in the city like the Third Don Crossing and Berryden Corridor.
Last night, the news was welcomed by local politicians.
But a row erupted over the fate of the residents who will be left in the “Haudagain triangle” – an area of land that will be left after the work is completed following the finalisation of the bypass in the winter.
Council leader Jenny Laing said: “This project will reduce congestion.
“When we first came into administration we lobbied hard for the Scottish Government to take action on the Haudagain.
“Unfortunately the Scottish Government wanted to wait until the completion of the western peripheral route.
“We have tried to work with them because there is an important triangle of housing there.
“We have wanted the Scottish Government to compensate us for the loss of housing and to help people living in the triangle that will be surrounded by roads on all sides.
“We are still in negotiation with the Scottish Government but they have said there is no guarantee of compensation.”
But Aberdeen Donside SNP MSP Mark McDonald said that the Labour-led administration had used the Haudagain as a “political football”.
He said: “This is an essential part of the long-term picture of development taking place to improve journey times in the city to reduce congestion.
“Unfortunately the council appear to be dragging their heels on giving residents certainty.
“This is a prime example of the petty political agenda from this administration they have had since taking office.
“They have wanted to make this a political football – the work is on council land.”
Although there are currently no plans for any investigations to be carried out on the A90 and A96 trunk roads, traffic management measures will be in place to allow work on local roads to be carried out safely.
A Transport Scotland spokesperson said: “This ground investigation is needed to get essential information on the existing ground conditions in the vicinity of the Haudagain roundabout so we can start work once the AWPR is complete, currently scheduled for winter 2017/18.
“We apologise for any inconvenience these works will cause and would thank road users and local communities in advance for their patience over the next few weeks. The contractor will closely monitor the operation of the traffic management measures to ensure that delays are kept to a minimum.
“When planning their journeys, we’d encourage drivers to visit the Traffic Scotland website for the latest travel updates.”
