A milestone on the Third Don Crossing project in Aberdeen has been reached, the local authority has announced.

The first layer of concrete has now been laid, which will seal the existing ground and allow the main foundations for the new River Don Bridge to be carried out.

The Third Don Crossing will see the construction of a new single carriageway link road between the Parkway/Whitestripes Road junction and the Tillydrone Avenue/St Machar Drive junctions, including the building of the new bridge.

Earlier this year, Balfour Beatty was appointed to construct the new bridge and the stretch of road linking it to the road network north of the Don, as well the realignment and upgrading of roads to the south of the river.

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Since May, when the contract was awarded, the firm has undertaken a lot of preparatory work.

It is anticipated that the bridge will be completed and open to the public by late 2015.

Councillor Willie Young, Aberdeen City Council's Convener of Finance, Policy and Resources Committee, said: "Today marks a very important stage in the creation of a new crossing over the Bridge of Don. The Third Don Crossing is a fundamental component of the Strategic Infrastructure Plan (SIP) and the Community Plan vision of creating a sustainable City with an integrated transport system that is accessible to all.

"As part of Shaping Aberdeen we are investigating various avenues of traffic management and road improvements in order to meet the city's transport challenges, and the Third Don Crossing is one of the key elements of our infrastructure plans.

"It will also provide a safer environment for the residents of Bridge of Don."

George Hood, Balfour Beatty Managing Director for North Scotland, added: "Balfour Beatty has a strong track record in successfully completing vital regional road schemes across the country. We are honoured to be delivering the Third Don Crossing project and we are delighted to be working with Aberdeen City Council to deliver this very important project."

(JP/CD)