North-east town hit by traffic chaos as works on A90 cause delays

Roadworks caused massive tailbacks through Ellon yesterday, prompting fears from traders that business will take yet another hit.

Queues of traffic backed up through the town due to roadworks on the A90 Aberdeen to Peterhead road, which has closed off the north entrance.

Traffic tailed back along Castle Road, South Road, Riverside Road and Golf Road throughout the day.

A stretch of the Ellon bypass between Balmacassie Way and Balmacassie Road is also shut until Sunday, adding to the issues caused by the A90 works.

One business said the existing one-way system in the town as part of Spaces for People initiative was being worsened by the works.

Anne-Marie Bain, director of Aberdeenshire Larder, said :“The build-up of traffic in Ellon town centre is really quite off- putting for people. The town centre seems to be at a complete gridlock.

“It is challenging times as it is and it just makes trading even more difficult. Anything that puts people off shopping in the current climate, or makes it difficult for them, is not that great for us.”

She added that it was hampering deliveries and the team noticed a drop in takeaway customers.

She said: “You are queuing for so long to get to wherever you are going you don’t want to pull off the main drag as you are just sat in traffic again.

“It took me 25 minutes to get through Ellon from one side to the other – it would usually take five to 10 minutes outside of peak hours.”

Roadworks on the A90 have caused delays at Ellon.