Traffic finally travelling on first major section of £1 billion Aberdeen bypass

AWPR: Faster journey times after 20-mile section from Stonehaven to Craibstone opens

Motorists enjoyed instantly faster journey times yesterday as business and political leaders celebrated the grand opening of the first major section of the long-awaited Aberdeen bypass.

The 20-mile Craibstone to Stonehaven section of the £1 billion Aberdeen Western Peripheral Route (AWPR) began opening to drivers at 2am.

Roads teams had worked throughout the night to ensure it was finally ready to be unveileds after months of frustration.

The first 7.5-mile section of the bypasss, between Balmedie and Tipperty, opened back in mid-August but further sections have been delayed by contract woes and defects found in the Don crossing.

It took pressure from the Scottish Government to persuade contractors to open the Craibstone to Stonehaven section ahead of sign-off on the final stretch, although it has been ready for traffic since October.

Only yesterday was it finally brought into use and such woes were set aside as it welcomed motorists, bringing significant drops in journey times.

Transport chiefs said the impact would be even greater once the remaining Don Crossing section is completed.

Drivers used to traffic gridlock in notorious bottlenecks in the city – including the Kingswells roundabout, the A96 Aberdeen to Blackburn road at its junction with Dyce Drive and the River Dee crossing at Milltimber – all reported much smoother journeys and shorter queues.

Some motorists testing out the new route were able to commence their journeys on the bypass at Stonehaven and arrive at the airport roundabout just over 15 minutes later.

One of the key benefits announced when plans for the AWPR were first put forward was that it would lead to a reduction in the number of heavy goods vehicles driving through the city centre.

Martin Reid, director of the Road Haulage Association, said that with the first significant part of the bypass now open to traffic, he hoped lorry drivers and other motorists would be able to take advantage of faster journey times.

He said: “Anything that makes traffic flow more freely around Aberdeen is most welcome.”

Douglas Lumsden, co-leader of Aberdeen City Council, said: “I’m just glad it’s finally open.

“One area in particular where I know we get a lot of lorries is Market Street.

“Hopefully, we will see much less traffic going straight through the city and flowing a lot more smoothly.”

It is hoped the final section will be open by the end of the year.

A major section of the Aberdeen bypass finally opened to traffic yesterday with drivers able to use the 20-mile stretch between Stonehaven and Craibstone.