Work on the £745million Aberdeen bypass has begun with the demolition of several city homes.
A number of buildings just off the North Deeside Road in Milltimber were the first to go as demolition work for the Aberdeen Western Peripheral Route (AWPR) got underway yesterday.
Transport Scotland will demolish 15 homes in total over the next six weeks as the first phase of the road’s construction begins.
It comes as detailed plans for the 28-mile bypass go on display at Dyce Community Centre today, following displays in Stonehaven, Newmachar and Maryculter.
Transport minister Keith Brown said: “These demolition works, along with the series of public exhibitions which are currently taking place along the project route are further evidence of our commitment to deliver the Aberdeen Western Peripheral Route/Balmedie-Tipperty (AWPR/B-T) on schedule by Spring 2018.
“These advance works are necessary to prepare the site for the main works which are due to start later this year. The AWPR/B-T project route was chosen, in part, to minimise the number of properties that had to be demolished.
“It is also anticipated that a significant amount of the materials from the demolition works will be recycled.”
The road, which is aimed to be completed by 2018, will link the A90 Aberdeen to Dundee road at Stonehaven with the A90 Aberdeen to Ellon road at Blackdog.
Mr Brown added: “This advance work is another significant milestone in the delivery of the AWPR/B-T project.
“Without delay, Transport Scotland, in partnership with Aberdeen City and Aberdeenshire Councils, began the procurement process in early 2013, and following a competitive tender process, the preferred bidder was announced as Connect Roads in June 2014.”