Improvement work begins at Ellon's Park and Ride
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Upgrade work for Ellon's Park and Ride bus facility has started, nine years after it was first approved by councillors.
Diggers have moved into the Balmacassie site to carry out the improvements.
The £1 million expansion was granted by councillors in 2012 and the first stage was completed in 2014, however phase two has seen a number of issues to overcome including establishing who owned the land and a water mains survey that indicated the mains went across the area of the development.
The initial work will see the creation of a temporary busway in the car park which will allow for the existing turning circle to be closed to enable the new bus road to be constructed. This is expected to be completed by October.
Councillor Gillian Owen said: “I cannot believe we passed this back in 2012. This has been a long running saga, but I must admit to feeling a sense of satisfaction that all the badgering has got us to this point.
"The new facilities will be of great benefit to Ellon and as we emerge from the Covid-19 era, we will have a superb facility for bus travel at the Park and Ride.
“Residents should be aware that the first piece of work will be creating a temporary busway in the car park which will allow for the existing turning circle to be closed to enable the new bus road to be constructed. This should be completed by October.
"The phase two upgrade will consist of an expansion to the bus turning area and creating three bus stops.
"Each stop will have an enclosed shelter that will be lit and have a real time display through electronic departure boards.
“It’s been a long, hard nine years to get the diggers on site, but persistence has ultimately won the day.”
Aberdeenshire Council said the programme of work will also include the addition of 91 car parking spaces and enhanced CCTV system.
The upgrade work was approved by councillors after the transport link saw an increase in passengers.
