New statistics have revealed that traffic travelling through an Aberdeenshire town has almost halved, following the opening of a new slip road.
Motorists travelling south from the B979 Netherley to Stonehaven road no longer need to drive through the town because they have access to the new road.
Traffic volumes measured by Aberdeenshire Council have confirmed that, during peak times, congestion levels have reduced dramatically.
The number of drivers on the B979 at Glenury Road initially increased by 23% during busy travelling periods and by 14% daily as drivers attempted to avoid the contraflow on the A90 whilst the slip road was being constructed.
However, since the new road opened, traffic has decreased by 43% between 4pm and 7pm – with a 33% drop over the whole day.
The new southbound slip road has been constructed as part of the Aberdeen Western Peripheral Route/Balmedie to Tipperty (AWPR/B-T) project.
Councillor Jim Gifford, leader of Aberdeenshire Council expressed delight at the results and added: “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.”
Agreeing with her neighbouring counterpart, Aberdeen city council co-leader, Jenny Laing, said: “The reduction in traffic for Stonehaven is fantastic news.
“We are looking forward to the AWPR opening and we realise the benefits of it for everyone who travels around the city.”