TWO road infrastructure projects with a combined value of nearly £60 million have been awarded by Transport Scotland.
Contracts to construct the £49.5 million Haudagain improvement scheme and the £9.6 million Berriedale Braes project were awarded to Farrans Construction and R J MacLeod respectively.
Advanced work at Haudagain began during the summer, involving ground investigations, advanced utility work and the demolition of 130 properties. Undertaking the work ahead of the main construction contract being awarded aims to provide Farrans Construction with a clear site to begin the task of constructing the new carriageway as quickly as possible.
The contractor will be required to construct approximately 500m of new dual carriageway connecting the A90 North Anderson Drive and the A96 Auchmill Road.
Michael Matheson, Cabinet Secretary for Transport, Infrastructure and Connectivity said, “This marks another significant milestone in delivering improvements for road users in the north east. Already people are feeling the benefits from the recently opened stretch of the Aberdeen West Peripheral Route.
“We are delivering on our commitment to improve the roads in the north east of Scotland, having progressed this project concurrently with the AWPR we want to deliver the benefits for road users and communities as soon as possible.”
The Berriedale Braes project will see R J MacLeod deliver improvements to the road alignment and the existing tight hairpin bend on the A9.
Michael Matheson continued, “This is a particularly challenging stretch of the A9 to navigate and this investment will improve road safety as well as minimise the need for vehicles to slow down or stop to negotiate the bend.
“The investment is also a positive development for the area which will enhance the skills development of the Scottish construction industry, with approximately 60 jobs expected to be supported in the region during construction.”
The contacts will provide a “timely boost” to the construction industry, according to Transport Scotland, with community benefits including apprenticeships, work placements and graduate positions, as well as sub-contracts for local firms in each area.
The Transport Secretary added, “Transport infrastructure is a key area where improving connectivity between our cities, rural communities and centres of economic activity is vital to boosting productivity and competitiveness.
“The contracts awarded this week – which are hot on the heels of the contract awarded for the next section of A9 dualling: Luncarty to Pass of Birnam project and the A737 improvement at the Den – will also be a welcome boost, providing opportunities for the construction industry.”
Construction on both projects is expected to get underway this year.
