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Study to consider improving active travel and public transport from Park and Ride at Ellon to the Garthdee Road corridor


By David Porter

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A study is being carried out to consider proposed options for improving transport connections from the Park and Ride in Ellon to the Garthdee Road corridor in Aberdeen.

The stakeholder study will have a particular focus on improving active travel and public transport connections and will look at examining both northbound and southbound traffic on the corridor in a bid to find areas that can be worked on with positive benefits.

The study will also take into account economic pressures in Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire

This will provide necessary information to bring foraward business case development for deliverable options for potential progression to design and implementation in the future.

A briefing paper has been prepared to set out the scope of the study and the approach that will be taken by the study team and a full public engagement exercise is programmed for next year.

Aberdeen City Council transport spokesperson councillor Sandra Macdonald said: “This study is an important piece of work not only for Aberdeen but the wider region as transportation around the area is important for business and leisure.

“The information gathered will be used alongside the public consultation results next year to shape the next stage.”

A number of key tasks will be undertaken to progress the study including identification of problems, issues, constraints and opportunities on the Ellon P&R to Garthdee corridor particularly in a post-Covid-19 context, desktop review of relevant policy documents, previous studies and relevant transport data sets, including transport trends since the Covid-19 lockdown.

Councillor Peter Argyle
Councillor Peter Argyle

Councillor Peter Argyle, chair of Aberdeenshire Council’s infrastructure services committee, added: “I very much welcome this study, particular given the importance it places on active travel and our public transport network.

"I would encourage stakeholders to use this tremendous opportunity to have their say on improving transport connections and help shape the future of this particular route in the years to come.”

The tasks also include development of Transport Planning Objectives to reflect the change required and to guide the development and appraisal of options, option generation, sifting and development including but not limited to options for active travel, bus infrastructure, technology, junction reviews, and local access enhancements for buses, and proportionate option appraisal in accordance with Scottish Transport Appraisal Guidance (STAG).

Throughout the study, cognisance will also be taken of the new Roads Hierarchy for Aberdeen, which was agreed by Aberdeen City Council in 2019.

In taking forward the above tasks, the project team, with support from the City Council, and key study partners Aberdeenshire Council and Nestrans, will work closely with the North East Bus Alliance to determine public transport opportunities on the study corridor – the Alliance identifies the Ellon P&R to Garthdee corridor as a priority corridor for improvement.

Aberdeen City Council has commissioned consultants AECOM to develop the STAG-based appraisal of options for the study.


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