Transport Secretary Michael Matheson has admitted paperwork required to open the Don Crossing has still to be signed off by the contractors.
In an answer to a Holyrood question tabled by North East MSP Mike Rumbles, Mr Matheson said the physical work had been completed by Aberdeen Roads Ltd (ARL).
There have been delays to the opening of the final stretch of the Aberdeen Western Peripheral Route due to outstanding works at the Don, and contractors have still to produce a legally binding commitment relating to the road’s maintenance.
Mr Rumbles said: “It is a disgrace. The public have been forced to put up with delay after delay. Despite further promises that the road would be open by February, the Minister has admitted that the road is essentially ready for motorists but cannot be opened because of contractual issues that should have been sorted-out back in 2012.”
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The project has been hampered with delays, and it previously emerged that the cost of creating the AWPR route had skyrocketed from £745 million to about £1 billion following a string of delays in its completion.
And last June, it emerged cracks had been found in the Don River Bridge forcing contractors to undertake remedial works.
Further works were then required after similar flaws were discovered in other sections of the crossing.
In his answer to Mr Rumbles, Mr Matheson said: “I can confirm ARL has undertaken the remaining physical works, with some survey and safety check activities still to conclude. However, ARL have yet to provide a legally binding commitment for the future maintenance of this structure.
“This is a fundamental requirement in order to protect the public purse from the cost of ARL’s mistakes. Notwithstanding this, I have called for a further meeting with ARL to ensure that they are doing everything that they can to get remaining section of the road opened at the earliest opportunity.”
