Consultation on improvements to Anderson Drive cycle and pedestrian routes
02 November 2016
Aberdeen residents are being asked to participate in a consultation on planned improvements to cycle and pedestrian routes on Anderson Drive.
The improvements, which were approved by Aberdeen City Council’s Communities, Housing and Infrastructure Committee in March, will create a cycle link along the western footway of South Anderson Drive that will connect the Riverside Cycleway and The Deeside Way as part of a wider network of cycle routes being developed throughout the city.
Some widening is required to bring the existing footway up to the standard minimum width (three metres) for a shared use pedestrian and cycle route. Also, to improve on the current standard, a full resurfacing of the existing footway will take place.
Construction works will also include refurbishment of dropped kerbs, renewal of tactile paving, installation of associated cycle signage and markings as well as improvements to the existing pedestrian crossing facilities around the Garthdee roundabout.
To allow the widening of the shared footpath, and also due to the poor health of a number of trees on the route, it is proposed to remove and prune a number of trees on Anderson Drive. The current proposal intends to remove 14 trees and to plant 28 trees as replacements.
The new trees will be a type of Metasequoia, which is a fast-growing large specimen tree, unusual to the area but one that is both colourful and interesting.
The trees will maintain the avenue effect that helps with wind buffering, making the route more pleasant for walkers and cyclists.
The consultation has been posted to residents in the vicinity of South Anderson Drive and responses should be received by Friday, 11 November.
Aberdeen City Council Transport and Regeneration spokesman Councillor Ross Grant said, “This section of pedestrian and cycle route is the first part of a wider scheme that in future years will see improvements made to active travel connections along the entire length of the Anderson Drive corridor with the view to making cycling and walking viable alternatives to the car.
“The Anderson Drive Cycle Route was identified as a key project in the Aberdeen Western Peripheral Route (AWPR) “Locking in the Benefits” report and recently emerged as a key corridor for improvement during public consultation to inform the emerging Active Travel Action Plan.
“The route will also contribute to meeting the aims and objectives of the Local and Regional Transport Strategies, particularly those relating to improving opportunities for local and strategic journeys to be undertaken on foot and by bike”.
Further information on the Active Travel Action Plan and the Local Transport Strategy can be viewed at: