Concerns have been raised that the safety of hundreds of bikers was put at risk at the weekend after the closure of a major north-east road.
Motorcyclists from around the region turned out in force yesterday to attend the area’s largest biking convention in Alford.
But a section of the A944 Aberdeen-Alford road was closed between Westhill and Dunecht in order for the carriageway to be resurfaced, forcing the motorists to detour along some of Aberdeenshire’s smaller roads.
They were diverted via Echt and towards the Carnie Roundabout.
Last night organisers of the Grampian Motorcycle Convention said they were concerned about the affect the detour was having on the bikers’ safety.
Curator of the Grampian Transport Museum, Mike Ward, said: “It’s a very difficult and frustrating situation; obviously we would rather that there wasn’t a diversion in place during a biking event of this scale.
“The worst thing about it is that we do worry desperately every year about the bike convention, we are bringing a huge amount of motorbikes and motorcyclists together and the propensity for an accident is extremely high.
“So with the diversion forcing people to take to minor roads of course the chances of an accident are even higher so the diversion, whilst minimal in distance, it increases the chances of an accident which is always incredibly regrettable.”
Mr Ward added: “We always hope and pray that our attendees get here and home safely. This year they have suddenly had to take to minor roads, in an area where there are large and slow moving farm vehicles which increase the wish for overtaking and such.
“But we do understand that the work has to be done and we hope they can get the works done as swiftly as possible, as it is a frustration for all commuters using the road, not just people attending the museum.”
Huntly, Strathbogie and Howe of Alford councillor, John Latham, said: “Although I’m not aware of the level of work being undertaken, the fact that it is being closed over the weekend suggests the work is being done thoroughly to keep one of the main arteries in a position to accommodate a high level of traffic.
“I live beside the A944 and by the flow of vehicles heading towards Alford I hope people will continue to run such a well-run
event at one of our top museums.
“However, I of course understand the concerns which have been raised and they must be taken seriously and hopefully a level of communication can be achieved to highlight issues such as this.”
Aberdeenshire council declined to comment on the closure.
