Roadworks at the centre of a £3.2million pedestrianisation project in the centre of Aberdeen have been delayed again.
Broad Street and parts of Upperkirkgate have been ripped up ahead of the new “shared surface” being installed which will only be open to bikes and pedestrians.
Upperkirkgate was originally due to reopen to motorists at the start of July, but in June council bosses announced that the work had been delayed by six weeks and set a new opening date of August 6.
Yesterday this was extended again by two months with a new completion date set for October 6 due to “unforeseen ground conditions”.
A spokeswoman for the local authority added that a temporary surface will be laid for the Great Aberdeen Run, which is taking place throughout the city centre on Sunday, August 27.
Gallowgate will also be closed at the same time, between its junctions with Upperkirkgate and Little John Street. The same alternative route applies via Schoolhill, Blackfriars Street, St Andrew Street, Charlotte Street, John Street, Loch Street and Berry Street.
The spokeswoman said: “We apologise for any inconvenience this may cause.”
Opposition SNP group leader Stephen Flynn described the delay as “an absolute farce”.
He said: “This new administration, while still in its infancy, seems to be learning all the bad habits of the last one when it comes to delayed projects.
“If I was a prospective tenant at Marischal Square, I’d be looking at the works and wondering what was going on.”
The Liberal Democrat group had raised fears previously about the pedestrianisation project, arguing that buses should also be banned alongside cars.
Last night group leader Ian Yuill said: “It is clearly very disappointing news for motorists that there has been a further delay of two months. I know that people will be frustrated.”
The ambitious works for the pedestrianisation of Broad Street had been originally intended to coincide with the opening of the Marischal Square complex.
Administration infrastructure vice convener Brett Hunt said: “People within the city will rightly be disappointed at this delay.
“However, ensuring it’s done properly is what matters here. I’m also pleased steps have been taken to avoid causing issues for the Great Aberdeen Run.”
