Aberdeenshire motorists are facing months of misery and traffic chaos starting today as roadworks get underway at two of the region’s biggest towns.
A three-month programme to replace gas mains and upgrade the network in Inverurie is due to begin this morning.
Further south, sewage works at the multi-million-pound Ury Estate development, near Stonehaven, will lead to the closure of the Netherley Road for 30 days, resulting in lengthy diversions.
Drivers have been asked to use the A90 Stonehaven to Aberdeen road and the B9077 South Deeside Road whilst the project – expected to take a month – is completed.
Stonehaven and Lower Deeside councillor, Graeme Clark, said it was likely to lead to some disruption.
“It is a wee bit of a concern,” he said.
“The Netherley Road is used as a back road onto the A90 going to Aberdeen, so you can see the potential problems on the A90 and getting across the Bridge of Dee.”
An Aberdeenshire Council spokesman said: “Essential sewer works are required for the residential development on the Ury Estate and in line with the statutory process the developer has applied for permission to occupy the road as necessary for the works to be completed safety.
“A 30-day closure has been granted from the beginning of April.”
The work in Inverurie will start on West High Street, between the Market Place and North Street junctions.
Scotia Gas Networks (SGN) team manager, Jim Burnett, said: “We understand that roadworks can be frustrating and would like to apologise for inconvenience caused.
“We would like to assure everyone that we will do everything we can to minimise disruption and complete our works as quickly as possible.”
Inverurie councillor, Bryan Stuart, said locals were bracing themselves for delays.
“Basically we are stuck with it and we have looked at every possibility,” he added.
“It is very unfortunate that the new link road is not operational.
“We have been told this work has to be done – and done immediately – and it is not really a situation that we are in control of.”
He added that the last time there was major road closures in the town, locals “altered their driving patterns”, but added: “The impact on the town centre wasn’t good.
“We will certainly be seeking to ensure there is plenty of parking and access to the town-centre. We can only make the best of what we have got.”
