Once again the construction of the Aberdeen bypass was in the spotlight at tonight’s meeting of North Kincardine Rural Community Council. Nearly two hours of debate and discussion was held, attracting an audience of about three dozen residents – and an Evening Express reporter.
However when the meeting continued with the standard items such as planning applications, proposals for a new Bridge of Dee and Chapelton, only nine residents remained.
There was a high-powered list of guests from Transport Scotland, the Scottish Environment Protection Agency, the AWPR managing agent, the construction team, and Aberdeenshire Council.
Here are some of the points that caught my attention:
– A number of residents complained about dust which was enveloping homes and on occasion a dangerous driving hazard. Water bowsers are used on the construction site, but not nearby roads.
– Construction work within the Shire should only take place from 7am to 7pm Monday to Saturday (except at Burnhead which is 8am to 1pm on Saturdays), however one resident complained about out of hours working, particularly on a recent Sunday.
– They are now able to make their own concrete on site, which will reduce the number of contractors vehicles bringing in concrete.
– The Duffshill junction with the A90 will close permanently shortly with traffic being diverted along the new road connecting with the Findon interchange.
– The contractors will soon have their own “haul road” along the route of the AWPR which will mean fewer lorries on public roads.
– External contractors will be awarded a contact to make good public roads damaged by AWPR traffic. This should be in place within weeks.
– A Findon resident raised concerns about what will happen should there be an accident closes the A90, which will undoubtedly result in drivers diverting to country roads. He suggested that roads around Findon be made one way in such an emergency.
– Assurances were given that while the new Charleston flyover is built – and six lanes built on the A90 – there would be two lanes available in either direction. The only occasional closures would occur at night.
– A Stonehaven resident raised concerns about water pollution at the southern end on the Fastlink. Other local people also voiced similar complaints, such as about the Muchalls Burn which at times is almost orange and thick. Sepa will investigate. The Sepa representative also recalled that they had to take enforcement action in similar circumstances in the Maryculter area. That brought work to a halt.