About 60 people attended a lively meeting on North Kincardine Rural Community Council to discuss progress with the Aberdeen Western Peripheral Route with representatives from Transport Scotland, the contractors, and the managing agent. Here are some points that caught my eye:
• The project is now moving into the bridge construction phase.
• In about six weeks a new roads diversion will be put in place north of Burnhead to allow work to proceed on the Charleston link.
• Repairs were taking place today on potholes and verges on side roads damaged by heavy traffic. The contractors repeatedly said they are working with Aberdeenshire Council to repair local roads which are so damaged. Any such damage should be reported to the council unless it is where the AWPR crosses local roads and then it should be reported to the AWPR.
• More inspections of local roads was promised, if required, as the contractors “do not want anyone hurt” during the construction period.
• The project is slightly behind schedule, but still on target to meet the due completion date.
• The advisory “No works traffic” signs apply in particular to vehicles over 3 tonnes.
• Not much damage was done to the AWPR construction sites by the recent heavy rains and flooding. However the sustainable drainage ponds (SUDS ponds) are still full of dirty water. The water is eventually released into the burns and rivers once cleaned.
• The completed road will have street lights at the junctions only.
• More applications for weekend working will be lodged with the council. Local householders will be informed directly.
• Concrete mixers will be travelling from the A90 along the Lairhillock road to the Rothnick site. The number will vary according to demand.
That part of the meeting lasted 40 minutes, and thereafter about half of those attending left the meeting.
The other major topic was flooding, with the meeting having to be held in the Lairhillock Primary School instead of the normal venue, the Corbie Hall at Maryculter. It of course was badly flooded twice. Only the guides of the groups that normally meet there are still looking for alternative accommodation. The hall trustees are awaiting a visit from an assessor to see what the future holds. The flooring and walls may need attention or even replaced. What will need replaced are the defibrillator, the goal posts, and the mower. Cookney Hall held a Burns supper which raised £600 towards refurbishing the Corbie Hall.
The community council also agreed to object to plans for houses at the Park quarry because of the impact on the South Deeside Road.
The promised transfer of the Maryculter woods to the community did not take place in December as hoped, but should take place imminently. The delay was caused by a legal hiccup. The official opening ceremony will take place on Saturday 26 March.