An Aberdeenshire road has finally opened to motorists – more than a year after it was built.
It had been dubbed “the road to nowhere” but now residents can enjoy the benefits of the link road, which connects the B9170 Oldmeldrum Road to the B9001 at Rothienorman.
It was constructed by Malcolm Allan Housebuilders to meet a planning condition attached to housing developments at Uryside and Portstown.
The work was completed in 2015 but it remained closed because of a design fault at the Rothienorman end; a dip in the roundabout which prompted fears high-sided vehicles could topple over.
Remedial work was undertaken and the road has now opened.
A spokeswoman for Aberdeenshire Council said: “We’re pleased to say that the new link road between the B9170 Oldmeldrum road and B9001 Rothienorman road to the east of Inverurie is now open to traffic.
“This road and its associated roundabouts were commissioned and funded by a housing developer to satisfy a condition of the planning consents for the nearby residential developments at Portstown and Uryside.
“Earlier this year, the Council agreed with the developer amendments that were needed to rectify a design problem on the B9001 roundabout which had been built with a dip on one side.
“The link road was unable to open as intended as there was a risk that large vehicles could topple over when turning onto the link road.
“Following remedial works there remained safety issues with the road which have been completed this week, allowing it to open.
“In due course the council expects to take ownership of the road through its adoption process, then becoming responsible for its upkeep and maintenance.”
North-east Tory MSP Peter Chapman had called on the council last month to give the public an update on when the road would open after the estimated November-opening date passed.
Speaking of its opening, Mr Chapman said he was “delighted” and it should alleviate some of the congestion experienced in the centre of Inverurie.
“It’s a good news story, it’s just a pity that it took so long,” he added.
Among those trying out the new road was care assistant Adrian Mosneagu who captured this footage.
He said: “This road will make traffic move faster in the centre, especially in the train station area, and is a very good short cut if you come from Oldmeldrum. For me it is a very handy road when I go to work. I live in Turriff and I use this road every day.
“The road is a step forward for development in Inverurie.”
