Aberdeen bypass opening delayed yet again

The Scottish transport secretary has said he is “seeking yet another urgent meeting” with Balfour Beatty and Galliford Try after the firms missed the latest deadline for opening of the Aberdeen bypass.

Outstanding remedial works to the Don Crossing – a 300m cantilever bridge – have now been completed, with inspections ongoing to ensure the structure is safe.

But in December the contractors had said the final stage of the road would be finished before Christmas, before later pushing the deadline back to the end of January.

It is unclear when the road is now expected to be opened. 

Michael Matheson, Scottish transport secretary, said: “We are now at the end of January and [JV vehicle] Aberdeen Roads are still not in a position to open this final section.

“The people of the north east will want to know why Aberdeen Roads have failed to deliver their own programme once again.”

Matheson once again warned Galliford Try and Balfour Beatty that the Transport Scotland would not pay for the delays.

He said: “I am seeking yet another urgent meeting with the senior Aberdeen Roads team to leave them in no doubt as to how resolute our defence of the public purse will be.

“We are not prepared to pick up the tab for mistakes made by construction companies. The ball is in Aberdeen Roads’ court and I look forward to making this clear in person.”

Balfour Beatty and Galliford Try declined to comment.