This item was published during the term of a previous administration that ended in April 2007
Listen
Aberdeen bypass preferred line confirmed
02/05/2006
The preferred line of the new Aberdeen bypass was announced today, giving homeowners and businesses confirmation of the route.
The preferred line narrows down the original planning corridor of the route. The line identifies areas the road will and will not affect, and confirms that only 19 houses will have to be removed in order to build the 46 kilometre long bypass.
Transport Minister Tavish Scott said:
"I am very aware of the understandable concerns caused by the width of the corridor being looked at, and the time taken to narrow this down. However, it was important to examine all the options to help us identify a line that had as little impact as possible on people's homes, communities and the environment.
"We have now completed that process and can now confirm the preferred line for the new road.
"This line achieves, as far as possible, our aim of minimising the impact of the road on homes and properties, but I do realise that for some people this will mean that they are still affected."
Leader of Aberdeenshire Council, Councillor Audrey Findlay said today:
"The narrowing of the route corridor is welcome progress, particularly as it will bring a degree of certainty to those whose homes may be affected by the proposed route. Effective consultation with residents, business people and campaigners is essential as the AWPR project advances."
Councillor John Stewart, Aberdeen City Council said:
"We are pleased that the Minister has ended the uncertainty by announcing the preferred line of the AWPR. We are aware that the choice will not please everyone, but it will be a relief to the many people whose homes will not now be affected who are living in the previously announced wider corridor."
The next stage will be to develop this line further in order to allow the draft orders to be published at the end of the year.
Across the length of the route 19 properties will require to be demolished. There will be none on the Fast link, one on the section between Charlestown and the River Dee, 15 between the River Dee and North Kingswells, and 4 between North Kingswells and Blackdog. This is 17 properties less than over the corridor route announced on 1 December.