THE first phase of a project to resurface Aberdeen’s Union Street is to open to permitted vehicles today.
The new road surface is made from local granite sourced from Avochie Quarry in Aberdeenshire and manufactured into traditional setts by Elgin-based family business Tennants.
Traffic will be switched over to the new granite setts road surface on the east section of the works, between Correction Wynd and St Nicholas Street. Work will then begin on the existing road surface on the north side of the street. It will become part of a widened and enhanced new pavement area.
Permitted vehicles currently allowed to use the new section are taxis, delivery vehicles during approved times, and cyclists, all travelling one-way, west to east along Union Street Central. Emergency vehicles will continue to always have access.
The works form part of Aberdeen City Council’s £150 million city centre and beach masterplan to help turn Aberdeen into a world-class destination.
John Edwards, project director for hub North Scotland, who are the council’s development and delivery partner for the city centre and beach master plan, said, “This is a landmark moment for the Union Street central streetscape works with the first traffic running on the new road surface. The first phase of these works has proved more challenging than expected, despite the thorough surveys undertaken, with the discovery of many unrecorded utility services and other hidden obstructions which has seen the site team having to come up with different solutions.”
The main contractor for the works is Morrison Construction Infrastructure and the site team is also progressing in the central section of the project area. The works are due to be completed in spring 2026.
Alongside Union Street Central, work is continuing on the new Aberdeen Market, which will be called Flint, and is due for completion in 2027. The main contractor for that part of the masterplan is Morrison Construction North-east.
The new beachfront works are also progressing with main contractor Robertson Construction already completing the Broadhill enhancement while the new beach park and event park are well under construction.
