A90 slip road helps to cut traffic

Early studies have shown the new A90 southbound slip road, constructed as part of the Aberdeen western bypass project, has almost halved peak- time traffic travelling through Stonehaven via the B979 at Glenury Road.

The data, collected and analysed by Aberdeenshire Council, compares traffic flow volumes from the B979 before and after the contraflow was put in place on the A90, as well as after the new southbound slip road was opened.

It revealed that the B979 flow initially increased by 23% during busy travelling periods and by 14% daily as drivers attempted to avoid the A90 contraflow.

However, once the new A90 southbound slip road opened to traffic and drivers no longer had to drive through Stonehaven to travel southbound or reach the south side of Stonehaven, traffic at Glenury Road was reduced by 43% between 4pm and 7pm, and by 33% daily.

Cabinet secretary for economy, jobs and fair work Keith Brown said the bypass was already having an impact.

“Expectations are high that the Aberdeen western peripheral route will bring numerous benefits to the north east and, given these early results, it is on track to deliver,” he said.

“The difference a single slip road is making to the local community in Stonehaven is quite exceptional, demonstrating some of the key benefits which will soon be felt across the north east.”

Aberdeenshire Council leader Jim Gifford said: “The new configuration means that longer distance trips no longer need to pass through the town, freeing up capacity for local traffic and making it a more pleasant environment for the community.”