North-east commuters are facing 12 miles of misery on the region’s busiest road – thanks to a new 50mph speed limit.
The restriction will be in place between the Ellon bypass and Murcar roundabouts while work is carried out on the Aberdeen bypass and Balmedie-Tipperty dualling scheme.
It will cover both the existing dual carriageway sections of the route – which runs from Fraserburgh to Peterhead an on to the city.
Last night, Transport Scotland said the temporary maximum – which will slash the limit from 70mph to 50mph on parts of the road – had been put in place to safeguard workers.
But commuters fear the timing – as pupils return to school after the summer break – will cause even more frustration on the already-congested road.
The limit is being introduced just weeks after average-speed cameras were switched on to enforce the existing 50mph restriction between Balmedie and Blackdog.
Transport Scotland had initially announced the extended limit would be in place as of August 1 but its introduction was delayed.
And last night Ellon and District councillor Isobel Davidson said the reasons for the extension were not “clear”.
The Liberal Democrat member added: “I don’t think people understand why it is all the way.
“It is certainly understandable when there is works going on, but it is not clear why it is 50mph all the way along.
“I think people will start looking for alternative roads. I just hope it doesn’t make people very frustrated.
“I think it is alright when you can see the need, but with this it is not clear.”
Fellow Ellon and District councillor, Conservative Gillian Owen, said “I can understand why they have extended it, but I think they have to try and get a move on to make headway.
“The trouble is people will start getting a bit hacked off. If people see workers doing something, it is fine.
“I do feel sorry for the drivers.”
Mid-Formartine councillor Allan Hendry said: “Nobody has said anything so far but this week will tell the story starting from Tuesday when the schools are going back.
“I have got no issue with it. There is a fair amount of HGVs using the road.
“It is a safety issue. If it keeps people safer and prevents accidents then great, as far as I am concerned.”
Fellow Mid-Formartine councillor, and leader of Aberdeenshire Council’s opposition, Jim Gifford, said: “I have had no complaints about it.
“People have had plenty warning and the cameras have been up for plenty time now.
“In terms of journey time, the difference between 70mph and 60mph down to 50mph – you are not talking about much.
“If people can’t cope with that kind of difference on their journeys I don’t know what they can do. It is there entirely for the safety of people working on the road.”
A Transport Scotland spokesman said the 50mph limit would “ensure the safety of workers” on the Aberdeen Western Peripheral Route project.
He added: “Sections of the A90 between the Murcar and Ellon roundabouts are already subject to a 50mph speed restriction but this is now being extended.
“The change to the speed limit is necessary to ensure workers can construct the new road safely while road users continue to use the A90.”
He also urged people to drive cautiously as they “familiarise themselves” with the changes.
The A90 is being upgraded between Balmedie and Tipperty as part of the £745million Aberdeen bypass project.
A completion date of spring 2017 has been set.
Along with the average-speed cameras on the route, traffic lights have also been put in place at Balmedie as work to build a flyover is carried out.
