Aberdeen Western Peripheral Route

The Aberdeen Western Peripheral Route (AWPR) is a major infrastructure development proposed to take place on the outskirts of Aberdeen, in Aberdeenshire, Scotland. The construction has not yet begun but preparations are at the final stages with the last public consultations taking place in early 2007.

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. Since that was built, the city has expanded beyond the road considerably.

Congestion relief

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 estate at Dyce.

Local economy

It is argued by some that the road is important to keep the economy active.Fact|date=February 2007 However others argue that almost no traffic is attempting to cross the city and a second Aberdeen bypass would do nothing to reduce city congestion.

Controversy

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. Fact|date=February 2007

External links

* [http://www.awpr.co.uk AWPR Official website] :* [http://www.awpr.co.uk/document_archive.asp?command=OpenFolder&folder=&file=Maps AWPR Map Resources]
* [http://www.aberdeenshire.gov.uk/roads/wpr/index.asp Aberdeenshire Council website]
* [http://www.nestrans.org.uk/projects/projects.asp?project_id=18 NESTRANS]
* [http://www.scotland.gov.uk/News/Releases/2005/12/01094349 Scottish Executive]

Anti-bypass pressure groups:
* [http://www.road-sense.org Road Sense, opposing community]
* [http://www.aberdeengreenbelt.org Aberdeen Greenbelt Alliance]
* [http://www.foe-scotland.org.uk/nation/aberdeen_bypass.html Friends of the Earth]
* [http://www.scottishgreens.org.uk/index.php?id=5146 Scottish Green Party]

The bypass in the news:
* [http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/scotland/north_east/4964536.stm BBC; "Aberdeen bypass route announced"; 02/05/2006]
* [http://news.scotsman.com/aberdeen.cfm?id=121642007 Scotsman.com; "Environmental trust claims £400m bypass plans would destroy trees in ancient woodland"; 24/01/2007]