Bypass project has led to ‘significant’ reduction in HGV traffic through Aberdeen

TRANSPORT Scotland has released new data highlighting the positive impact of the Aberdeen bypass project on the first anniversary of the AWPR fully opening to traffic.

Depending on the location, HGV traffic along the A92 corridor through Aberdeen has reduced between 49 and 61% when comparing January to June 2019 data with comparable 2014 data. This is even greater than the 20 to 36% reduction originally predicted.

Scotland’s transport secretary Michael Matheson said, “The AWPR/B-T’s first anniversary is a significant milestone and it is important to recognise the transformational effect this project has had on people’s daily lives in the north east. The benefits of the project are plain for everyone to see, enhancing the quality of life for tens of thousands of people.

“In addition to the widely reported improvements to journey times for drivers using the AWPR/B-T, it is clear from the reduction in the proportion of HGVs on the A92 that businesses are benefiting from the option of a faster and more reliable route to and from the North East. Equally, other road users and communities alike benefit greatly from HGVs transferring to the new trunk road.

“This is supported by initial reporting which shows a reduction in congestion through the city, including areas which are susceptible to congestion such as the Bridge of Dee, where there has been noticeable reductions in queue lengths and durations. The AWPR is also providing the local authorities with an opportunity to improve and expand public transport and active travel, as traffic has been moved to a more appropriate route.”

Aberdeen City Council co-leader Jenny Laing commented, “It is fantastic that the opening of the AWPR has led to a significant reduction in the level of HGV vehicles within the city and the new route clearly complements the other improvements implemented as part of our wider transport strategy. The AWPR, supported by the council’s £75m investment, is a vital component of Aberdeen City Council’s £1 billion capital programme and it will allow us to deliver on both the economic and transport aims set out in our Regional Economic Strategy.”

Aberdeen City Council co-leader Douglas Lumsden added, “The improved connectivity from the AWPR is helping our communities and is something we’re taking advantage of with the new opportunities it presents for helping with reducing traffic numbers in the city centre. The premise of the city centre as a destination rather than a thoroughfare will become far more appealing and the City Council is supporting that with developments that are bringing positive change to Aberdeen’s traditional heart.”

Leader of Aberdeenshire Council Jim Gifford said, “These initial statistics echo the positive indications we’ve had from residents and businesses about reduced and more predictable journey times. The reduction in HGV traffic from rural routes is really being noticed, along with an overall reduction of traffic on the B-class network. We’re also hearing of increased visitor numbers to the likes of Stonehaven and Westhill as a result of the improved infrastructure.”