Connect Roads will start preparatory works on the Aberdeen bypass in Scotland this week.
The pre-start works agreement, worth around £8 million, enables the preferred bidder to undertake further designs and to begin works on the Aberdeen Western Peripheral Route/Balmedie Tipperty project. Works will include fencing, environment surveys and ground investigations ahead of the main works contract.
The pre-start works agreement was announced by Transport Minister Keith Brown at a site in Milltimber where a number of advance works for the project have already taken place.
He said: “The people of Aberdeen and the north-east have been waiting for decades for a sign that works are due to start on the AWPR/Balmedie-Tipperty scheme. Today, we can announce that the preferred bidder will be on site from this week actively preparing for the main works. This is an important indication that we will look for every opportunity to accelerate the work where we can.
“This pre-start works agreement further reinforces our commitment to the project and will complement the advance works already undertaken. This will ensure that the preferred bidder will be in an advanced position after contract award, which is expected later this year.”
Over the next three decades, the investment in this project is expected to bring in an additional £6 billion to the local economy and create around 14,000 new jobs. During construction, benefits similar in scale to the M74 scheme are expected, which directly supported 900 construction jobs at its peak. The AWPR/B-T project will also provide on-the-job training for apprentices and local employment opportunities.
Alan Gibson, bid director at Connect Roads, added: “The construction of the AWPR/B-T will be a complex process, but the pre-start works agreement will ensure that we get the best possible start to the main construction works later this year. This will build on the advance works programme which has made significant progress over a vast area in very little time.
“We are working closely with Transport Scotland, Aberdeen City and Aberdeenshire Councils to reach financial close on the main DBFO contract, which will enable full works to commence on this strategically important project for the north east.”
When the AWPR/ B-T project is finished the substantial benefits will be felt across the north east of Scotland. It will provide a boost to the economy, increase business and tourism opportunities, improve safety, and cut congestion. The AWPR/B-T will also offer opportunities to improve in public transport facilities.”
Connect Roads is a consortium comprising Balfour Beatty, Galliford Try (Morrison Construction) and Carillion.
