The Project
External Transportation Links to Aberdeen South Harbour (ETLASH) project is being progressed by Aberdeen City Council, as Local Roads Authority and aims to improve access to the new Aberdeen South Harbour at the Bay of Nigg. The project is being jointly funded by both the UK and Scottish Governments as part of the Aberdeen City Region Deal.
Following a Scottish Transport Appraisal Guidance (STAG) assessment process the preferred road and active travel options, upgrades to both Coast Road and Hareness Road, have been selected & progressed as the Aberdeen South Harbour Link Road (ASHLR) project. This includes a realigned & upgraded Coast Road with a new crossing over the Aberdeen to Dundee Railway line, changes to the Hareness Road/ Coast Road junction and the introduction of segregated pedestrian and cycle facilities on both Hareness Road and Coast Road.
The project will provide substantial benefits including:
• Reduced journey times;
• Reduced environmental and nuisance impacts of HGV traffic;
• Improved connectivity by all modes of transport;
• Improved access for a wide range of abnormal loads; and
• Improved the intermodal opportunities between the proposed ETZ/ASH and the existing rail network.
Compulsory Purchase Order (CPO)
The use of Compulsory Purchase is necessary to acquire land required to build the project. Notice for the making of the Compulsory Purchase Order (CPO) was served in June 2024. There are no set timescales for the CPO process to take in the order of 12 months. Road construction will not take place until the land acquisition process is completed.
Scottish Government guidance on compulsory purchase can be found using the link below:
The CPO can be found using the link below:
The CPO Map can be found using the link below:
The Statement of Reasons can be found using the link below:
DMRB Stage 3 Scheme Assessment
The ASHLR project has been developed in accordance with the Department for Transport/ Transport Scotland, Design Manual for Roads and Bridges (DMRB). The DMRB Stage 3 Scheme Assessment which identifies the advantages and disadvantages of the preferred option in environmental, engineering, economic and traffic terms has been completed and can be found here:
Public Engagement
An online exhibition displaying the outcome of the DMRB Stage 3, Scheme Assessment Assessment, was held between 7 April and 5 May 2024, with an associated public exhibition at Torry United Free Church on 15 April 2023. A copy of the project flythrough can be accessed via the following link:- ASHLR - Animation on Vimeo
The display board material from these exhibitions can be accessed via here:
Next Stages
A planning application for the project was submitted to the Planning Authority in May 2024, with the detailed design and, subject to statutory approvals, the procurement of the main works contract later in the 24/25 financial year.
Further Project Information
Copies of the assessment reports of earlier stages for the project can be found at the links below.
External Links to Aberdeen South Harbour Pre and Part 1 Appraisal Report
External Links to Aberdeen South Harbour Pre and Part 1 Executive Summary
External Links to Aberdeen South Harbour - STAG Detailed Appraisal Report
External Links to Aberdeen South Harbour - STAG Detailed Appraisal Report Executive Summary