Extension to road restriction period for Aberdeen cable replacement works

Temporary road restrictions to enable the replacement of an underground electricity cable in Aberdeen have been extended beyond the period they were initially due for completion.

The extension is due to the discovery of asbestos during excavation works required for the Redmoss to Clayhills Underground Cable Replacement project. The asbestos has been safely removed.  

Contractors also found several deformities affecting the ducts which the cable will pass through, which if not rectified immediately would have resulted in further delays to the project.   

This has led to a revised schedule for road restrictions, with each restriction now lasting approximately two months longer than initially anticipated.  

Location	Restriction	Revised scheduled end date
Abbotswell Crescent	Abbotswell Crescent closed from its junction with Arbroath Way to the southern boundary of number 128 Abbotswell Crescent.	22 August
Abbotswell Crescent	Abbotswell Crescent closed from its junction with Redmoss Road to the boundary between numbers 231 and 233 Abbotswell Crescent.	29 August
Fonthill Road	Fonthill Road will be closed to westbound traffic from its junction with Polmuir Road to its junction with Whinhill Road	12 September
West Tullos Road	West Tullos Road closed to southbound traffic from its junction with King George VI Bridge Roundabout to its junction with Abbotswell Roundabout. There will also be a prohibition of right turn manoeuvres from West Tullos Road on to Abbotswell Road.	12 September
Great Southern Road	Great Southern Road closed to southbound traffic from its junction with Whinhill Roundabout to its junction with Duthie Park Roundabout.	3 October
West Tullos Roundabout	No access to Abbotswell Road Northbound from West Tullos Road.  Diversion via Wellington Road.	17 October
Ferryhill Road	Ferryhill Road closed from its junction with Crown Street to its junction with Ferryhill Terrace	7 November
Wellington Road	Contraflow in operation reducing traffic to one lane both directions from roundabout at West Tullos Road/ Wellington Road to Souter Head Roundabout	14 November

All dates continue to be subject to change depending on unforeseen delays or in the event of adverse weather – up to date details of road restrictions, including alternative routes, are available on the Aberdeen City Council website.

Michael Dunn, Senior Project Manager for SSEN Transmission, commented: “The Redmoss and Clayhills Substations form an integral part of the overall Aberdeen City 132kV ring network, and this major cable replacement project is vital in maintaining a secure, reliable supply of power for the city in line with our goal to aim for 100% transmission network reliability for homes and businesses. 

“While unforeseen delays are not uncommon for large-scale projects of this nature, SSEN Transmission continues to work closely with its principal contractor Balfour Beatty and Aberdeen City Council to minimise disruption wherever possible, while ensuring that work is carried out safely and to the highest possible standard. 

“While activity may not be apparent in some locations, ongoing restrictions are required to allow for ongoing and eventual full system testing of the cable replacement.   

“This is considered essential to ensure the effectiveness of the system and will ultimately avoid the potential for any additional delays to the project at the end stage.”