New path opened for more connectivity with Diamond Bridge
15 February 2018
A new path has opened connecting an Aberdeen community to the benefits of the £22.3million Diamond Bridge after local residents requested it as an addition to the already extensive pedestrian and cycle path infrastructure created in the project.
The £500,000 path connects residents in Balgownie to the new Gordon Brae and has been funded by Aberdeen City Council, Nestrans and the Scottish Government, through Sustrans Scotland’s Community Links programme.
The third Don crossing was the biggest bridge infrastructure project to be built in Aberdeen in the last 30 years, and was opened by Aberdeen City Council in June 2016.
The project, which has involved the construction of two major bridges, 2.4km of new roads and new cycleways and pavements, was designed to connect with other major infrastructure projects. These include the Aberdeen Western Peripheral Route, the Berryden Corridor and the Dyce Park and Ride at Craibstone.
The new path was suggested by local residents during the latter part of the third Don crossing project and was taken on board by Aberdeen City Council.
Aberdeen City Council transportation and regeneration spokesman Councillor Ross Grant said: “We were delighted to take forward a suggestion from the local community so they can enjoy the benefits that the bridge brings not only to motorists but to pedestrians and cyclists.
“The new crossing has transformed getting around the north of the city for people who live, work or spend leisure time in the area, and it’s also meant better connectivity to other parts of the city for residents and visitors.
“It’s been fantastic to see how many people use the new cycleways and pathways around the Diamond Bridge for both commuting and leisure - 52,000 pedestrian trips and more than 26,000 cycle trips - and I’m sure this new path will also be well used.”
Sustrans Scotland Community Links manager Dave Keane said: “This is an exciting project to work in partnership with Aberdeen City Council for further improvement of the Diamond Bridge link.
“We are delighted that feedback from the local community has been used to further improve and enhance the walking and cycling links in the area to make it easier and safer for people to travel by foot and bike for more of the journeys they make every day.”
The Diamond Bridge has about 12,000 vehicles using it every day, and has helped to alleviate congestion on the other two main crossings at the Bridge of Don and Persley Bridge.
Nestrans chairman Councillor Peter Argyle said: “Nestrans is pleased to have provided funding towards the creation of the new pathway at Balgownie.
“We are delighted to see the completion of the works, which forms part of a range of projects we support across the North-east to facilitate connected network of safe, convenient and enjoyable walking and cycling routes.”