The latest part of the “transformational” Aberdeen Western Peripheral Route is expected to open tomorrow.
The unveiling of a 7km section of the new route between Parkhill (Goval) and Blackdog junctions should deliver a range of benefits, including improved access, safety and journey time reliability, as well as reduced congestion.
Blackdog junction opened to traffic in May and is already improving access to Belhelvie, Potterton, Blackdog and Blackdog Industrial Estate.
The link with Parkhill junction will further improve access to local areas and the trunk road network to the north of the city, including between Dyce and Bridge of Don.
Jim Gifford, the leader of Aberdeenshire Council, said: “This is exactly the sort of news that the people of Aberdeenshire have been waiting for.
“This road building project is on such a large scale that opening sections as and when they are ready makes absolute sense.
“By working with our partners, we have been able to deliver this significant investment, which will have transformational benefits.
“We look forward to the full opening later this year.”
The speed limit for the new section of road will be 70mph with a reduced limit on the approach to the slip roads at the junctions.
Cabinet Secretary for Economy, Jobs and Fair Work, Keith Brown said: “I am pleased to confirm that a new 7km section of the A90 between Parkhill and Blackdog will open this week.
“I am sure this news will be appreciated by local communities, road users and businesses in the north-east who continue to be extremely patient while these works are being undertaken.
“The Parkhill to Blackdog section is the first section of the AWPR mainline trunk road to open and is the most substantial section of the project to open to date.”
The opening of the Goval to Blackdog section is just one of a number of visible signs that the construction phase is nearing completion.
Over the past few weeks, the new Balmedie junction has also opened to traffic and works have now progressed to allow the average speed cameras at Balmedie, Charleston and Stonehaven to be removed.
Exciting aerial footage offers the opportunity to see the new road from the air, along with further background information, at: www.transport.gov.scot/progress-update/parkhill-goval-to-blackdog/.
The Aberdeen Western Peripheral Route is expected to fully open in the autumn.
