The Aberdeen Western Peripheral Route (AWPR) is a major infrastructure development proposed to take place on the outskirts of Aberdeen, in Aberdeenshire, Scotland. First announced in January 2003,[1] the construction has not yet begun. It was approved by ministers in late 2009.[2]
It has been particularly supported by NESTRANS, the Scottish Executive's planning group for Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire.
The high-speed dual carriageway is projected to cost over £350million and create an alternative route from north to south Aberdeen, bypassing the city. Currently the only dual carriageway route from north to south is through the city itself, along the original 1930s bypass, Anderson Drive which is unsuitable for heavy goods vehicles as they cannot cross the Bridge of Dee at its South end. Since Anderson Drive was built, the city has expanded beyond the road considerably.
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The proposed development has been designed to have a positive impact on traffic along routes which are congested during rush hour, particularly Aberdeen's Anderson Drive, King Street and Union Street.
Other intentions of this project would be a slight reduction in traffic congestion on the bridges into central Aberdeen, which is sandwiched between the River Dee and the River Don, by reducing heavy goods vehicles that do not need to enter the city itself. There will also be a reduction in the volume of traffic heading towards Aberdeen Airport and the adjacent industrial estates at Dyce.
It is argued by some that the road is important to keep the economy active.[3]
The bypass has caused controversy among local people who live along the proposed route. Some of the areas affected are amongst the most expensive in the city and its surrounding area. It will particularly affect the people in Milltimber, Bieldside and Cults.
Anti-bypass pressure groups:
The bypass in the news: