Works on the Aberdeen Western Peripheral Route/Balmedia-Tipperty (AWPR/B-T) project will commence on 22 July.

The rock drilling and blasting programme will start between Rothnick and Cleanhill, north of Cookney, where a section of the Fastlink will be developed.

These works will help lower the ground to the new road level.

As the works are complex, it is difficult to predict a precise timescale for the programme.

However, it is expected to take around 14 weeks, with blasting times being between 10am and 4pm Monday to Friday only, with the aim of one blast each day.

The blasting will remove sections of rock which can't be taken out through other means.


Alan Gibson, General Manager for Aberdeen Roads Limited, said: "Safety is the most important factor as we move this construction programme forward and ensuring the local community is aware of these major earthworks and blasting operations is a vital part of our planning process.

"Before these excavations take place, we will consult with owners and residents in nearby properties, as well as local authority officials and environmental regulators."

Mr Gibson added to ensure safety, people must not enter the site without permission.

All blasting will follow a strict warning procedure. A series of sirens will alert the local community and workers that a blast is about to take place.

Mr Gibson said: "Recycling of materials is a key commitment for the AWPR/B-T project and rock and earth excavated during these works will be reused along the length of the roads to form embankments or to make aggregates for concrete, road and drainage purposes, wherever possible."

Local traffic management plans are already in place for local roads near the site during blasting period.

Site safety representatives will signal traffic with stop/go boards to ensure that they are a safe distance from the area where the blasting is taking place.

(LM/MH)