The principal of one of the north-east’s two universities has pledged to “strongly resist” proposals for a new multimillion-pound bridge.
There are currently three options on the table for a new bridge over the River Dee, two of which would be built through the Robert Gordon University (RGU) campus in Aberdeen.
Professor Ferdinand Von Prondzynski, the RGU principal, has said the institution would look to “secure a plan” to keep the new bridge away from its grounds.
Council chiefs unveiled three designs last year – all of which would retain the 16th-century bridge for pedestrians and cyclists.
Prof Von Prondzynski is opposed to the first two designs which would mean a new bridge built over the Dee and joining Garthdee.
He said: “If such a bridge were to be built in that location it would have a hugely damaging impact on RGU, which the university would have to resist strongly.
“But I am confident that we will be able to secure a plan, if one is needed, that would keep any bridge away from the university’s campus and which would not damage the Garthdee community.”
The first option – concept 6 – includes a new dual carriageway link road between Garthdee Road and the A90 Aberdeen to Dundee route.
There would also be a cable bridge, with improvements made to the road to allow two lanes in both directions. The existing Bridge of Dee road would also be widened.
The second option – concept 6B – would include all of this, as well as a link between Inchgarth Road and North Deeside Road.
The last proposal – concept 7 – outlines plans for an arch bridge, with junction improvements and a single carriageway link road between Leggart Terrace and the A90 Aberdeen to Dundee road.
The authority has also agreed to look at a fourth option which would include a four-lane bridge.
Despite the options being discussed, there is currently no provision for a new bridge in the authority’s budget.