Final Union Street stretch closes for revamp amid fears ‘surprise discoveries’ could spark more delays.

The remaining section of Aberdeen’s Union Street has been closed as workers dig underground to complete the multi-million-pound project before the latest deadline expires.

Work on the Granite Mile began about two years ago, with the goal of transforming the center stretch into a destination for cyclists, traders, and tourists.

Council officials lauded it as the “biggest redevelopment” in the city centre in 200 years.

The 300-meter stretch between Market Street and Bridge Street has subsequently been transformed into a constantly moving construction site.

Crews are now in a race to finish it before October.

 

Could work be delayed further?

In a recent interview with The Press and Journal, the council’s finance convener was unable to give us any assurances this deadline would be met.

Alex McLellan stressed that it had been an “incredibly challenging” project for the contractor.

On Monday, March 26, workers closed up Union Bridge, leaving only a strip for emergency access.

City officials have already cautioned that the Category B-listed crossing is “an entirely different proposition” than the rest of the Union Street projects, with “its own particular difficulties”.

The closure has been implemented to allow teams to dig deep into Union Bridge.

It is anticipated that what is discovered during these operations may determine whether or not the full Union Street project will be completed on time.

And Labour councillor Deena Tissera is concerned about the possibility of more setbacks.

She told The Post and Journal: “City centre works have been plagued by failures, weakening public confidence.

“The impending shutdown of Union Bridge raises concerns about additional unforeseen challenges.

“These problems should have been avoided through comprehensive engineering surveys and proper planning before the project began.”

‘Aberdeen businesses will have fingers crossed Union Bridge closure doesn’t spark more delays’

Businesses have already complained that the roads are causing a drop in revenue, while real estate agents say they are unable to transfer units in the construction zone.

Tory group leader Richard Brooks also criticised the council’s SNP and Lib Dem leaders of leaving these hard-hit traders “with their fingers crossed”.

He continued, “I find it very amazing that this SNP-led administration has left the city centre business community crossing their fingers on yet another piece of our masterplan.

“The poor scheduling of traffic orders, together with the continued renovation work, has crippled our city centre trade.”

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Mr Brooks went on to say, “Now we have a delayed Union Street revamp and a’suck-it-and-see’ Union Bridge redevelopment.”

“If there are further delays, the administration really do need to look at compensating those businesses already holding on by a thread.”

Council co-leader admits ‘frustrations’ as he hits back at critics

Aberdeen City Council’s co-leader, Ian Yuill, claimed last night that Mr Brooks was “talking nonsense and talking down Aberdeen city centre.”

The Lib Dem lawmaker added: “Union Street is open for commerce, and work on Union Bridge is required to complete the renovation.

“I’m as frustrated as everybody about how long this project is taking.

“But the sad truth is, when you dig up a road that has been there for so long, unexpected discoveries are discovered, and services aren’t where they should be.

“I want to see it completed as soon as possible.”

During the Union Bridge closure, only emergency vehicles and bin lorries will be permitted to enter the chicaning single-lane path through the Aberdeen city centre construction site.

Taxis have been granted access to Union Bridge during the construction. However, taxi drivers have been instructed to stay away until at least early July.

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