An internal timetable has revealed that motorists are scheduled to be able to use the Aberdeen Western Peripheral Route (AWPR) in four months’ time.
The leaked document shows that contractors are working to open the ambitious £745million road to drivers on November 13.
In theory motoirists would then be able to use the full route, with the only remaining work being primarily cosmetic, such as planting trees.
AWPR from the skies: Drone footage shows how far bypass has come
However concerns have been raised that the project’s permit to use (PTU) estimate is very much too ambitious.
A senior member of engineering staff on the project, who did not wish to be named, said: “There’s not a chance it will be done by November, not from where we are just now.
“There are a lot of problems with getting the right work done in the right place, and getting enough people to monitor and keep control.
“I would estimate, at best, we may open by summer next year.”
North-east MSP Peter Chapman said: “Given previously announced delays to the Balmedie-Tipperty stretch and work stoppages on the western side, it would come as a surprise if the AWPR was to be near completion by November.
“However, if this timetable is correct, then I am sure that motorists across the north-east will be delighted to hear that this long-awaited bypass will finally open to traffic.
“I think most drivers would agree that we all want to see the road finished as soon as possible.
“There has been a huge amount of disruption but the bypass will deliver undoubted economic benefits for this area.”
A spokesman for Transport Scotland said the AWPR is due to be open to motorists this winter, but would not give a specific date.
He said: “Responsibility for the delivery of the AWPR rests with Aberdeen Roads Limited.
“Whilst the contractor has target dates in place for the various elements of the project and the overall scheme, as with all complex civil engineering contracts of this scale, delivery and completion of certain elements of work are dependent on a variety of factors project-wide, including weather, design changes, scheduling of other works and availability of specialist resources for certain tasks.
“The project is scheduled to open to traffic in winter 2017/18, subject to adequate resourcing and sound project management by the contractor.”
