Preparatory works are to begin on the Aberdeen bypass this week, it has been announced.

In a statement, Transport Minister Keith Brown confirmed the preferred bidder for the contract – Connect Roads – is to start on the Aberdeen Western Peripheral Route/Balmedie Tipperty (AWPR) scheme.

The pre-start works agreement, which is worth around £8m, allows the contractor to undertake further designs and commence work such as fencing, environment surveys and ground investigations, ahead of the main works contract.

Minister Brown commented: "The people of Aberdeen and the north-east have been waiting for decades for a sign that works are due to start on the AWPR/Balmedie-Tipperty scheme. Today, we can announce that the preferred bidder will be on site from this week actively preparing for the main works. This is an important indication that we will look for every opportunity to accelerate the work where we can."

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He added: "This pre-start works agreement further reinforces our commitment to the project and will complement the advance works already undertaken. This will ensure that the preferred bidder will be in an advanced position after contract award, which is expected later this year."

Alan Gibson, Bid Director at Connect Roads, said: "The construction of the AWPR/B-T will be a complex process, but the pre-start works agreement will ensure that we get the best possible start to the main construction works later this year. This will build on the advance works programme which has made significant progress over a vast area in very little time.

"We are working closely with Transport Scotland, Aberdeen City and Aberdeenshire Councils to reach financial close on the main DBFO contract, which will enable full works to commence on this strategically important project for the north east."

(JP/IT)