A milestone has been reached on the River Dee Crossing bridge project.

With the 270-metre long structure's decking now meeting above the river, a new link has been created between Aberdeen City and Aberdeenshire as part of the Aberdeen Western Peripheral Route/Balmedie to Tipperty (AWPR/B-T) project.

The contractor has had to overcome a number of challenges to complete the crossing's decking, including the Special Area of Conservation (SAC) which requires careful management of the construction methods used. Other measures in place at the site include directing lighting away from the river and using construction plant with the least noise and vibration impacts.

Once finished, the 35,000-tonne crossing will carry two lanes of traffic in each direction over the River Dee.

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Economy Secretary Keith Brown said: "Works, including installation of parapets and laying of road surfacing, are continuing to complete this significant and strategic element of the new road which is scheduled to open to traffic in Winter 2017/18.

"The new crossing has been built using 31,400 tonnes of concrete sourced from the local area, 3,237 tonnes of steel and 400 tonnes (327km) of post tensioning strands, which help it to keep its shape and strength.

"We can look forward to the many benefits this project will bring when it opens to traffic. It is expected to generate £6 billion and 14,000 jobs for the local economy over the next 30 years, as well as reduce congestion, improve journey time reliability and enhance safety."

Aberdeenshire Council Leader, Jim Gifford, said: "The construction of the bridge is in itself a major piece of work, and that highlights the scale of what we are looking to achieve in this partnership.

"This is quite a symbolic moment for the scheme as it marks a new connection between Aberdeen City and Shire. Is it also another visible sign that we are a step closer to completion of this ambitious, complex and much-needed project."

(LM/MH)