Options unveiled for potential new transport links for the harbour extension
07 September 2018
Plans were today unveiled for the potential transport options which could serve the new Aberdeen South Harbour development.
The 11 options are being considered as part of a study to examine transport connectivity to from the site and identify appropriate transport infrastructure and connectivity improvements.
The focus of the study is on the additional transport infrastructure required to improve connectivity to the site beyond the initial operation of the harbour in the first few years.
The proposals, which are cover options for roads north of the new harbour, roads south of new harbour, improve the existing HGV route, public transport, and active travel, include:
Option A1 – northern road options - provide a new road link from either Greenwell Road (option A1a) or Greenbank Road (option A1b) across the former Ness landfill site to the existing railway bridge on Coast Road;
Option A2 – northern road options - provide a new road link from either Greenwell Road (option A2a) or Greenbank Road (option A2b) across St Fittick’s Park to the new Coast Road/St Fittick’s Road junction, including a new underbridge;
Option A3 – northern road options - provide a new road link from either Greenwell Road (option A3a) or Greenbank Road (option A3b) across the former Ness landfill site and a new bridge across the railway to Coast Road
Option A4 – improve existing HGV route - provide a new bridge on Coast Road combined with capacity improvements on Wellington Road
Option A5 – southern road options - provide a new road link between Coast Road and Souter Head Road, and provide a new bridge over the railway;
Option A6 – southern road options - provide a new road link between Coast Road and Wellington Road to the south of Souter Head Road, and provide a new bride over the railway;
Option B1 – public transport – extend the following bus services so they serve Aberdeen South Harbour (First Aberdeen service 12, First Aberdeen service 20, Stagecoach service 59);
Option B2 – public transport – provide a new bus service between Aberdeen South Harbour and the city centre primarily for cruise tourists;
Option C1 – active travel – enhance active travel provision between Aberdeen South Harbour and the city centre including a new cycle route;
Option C2 – active travel – provide a dedicated cycle hub with cycle information and a hire scheme at Aberdeen South Harbour aimed at cruise tourists;
Option C3 – active travel – provide a cycle route through Tullos Hill/Loriston Country Park to the A956 and onward connections to The Deeside Way.
Aberdeen City Council transportation spokesman Councillor Ross Grant said: “The new harbour extension project is part of our Regional Economic Strategy for securing the future economy of the area by encouraging increasing tourist for the city and wider afield.
“Officers have looked at the various options to ensure good connectivity to and from the site, while at the same time examining the advantages and disadvantages of each option for both residents, people who work in the area, and visitors.
“It is therefore important we get feedback we get from the public, as it really helps to assess the options put forward.
“I’d encourage people, and particularly those who live or work in and around the area of the new harbour development, to go along to the drop-in session or go online to the council website to view the options and give their feedback.”
Public drop-in events are to be held at The Aberdeen Altens Hotel on Wednesday 12 September from 4pm to 8pm, and Balnagask Community Centre on Monday 17 September from 4pm to 8pm.
The options for the road and consultation are also available to view and comment on the City Council website at https://consultation.aberdeencity.gov.uk/planning/transportation-links-to-aberdeen-south-harbour.
The feedback from the drop-in sessions and the on-line consultation will be used to finalise a report for a later committee which will set out the next steps for potential transport links to Aberdeen South Harbour.