Bypass consultation comes to end

There have been thousands of public views expressed

The latest round of public consultation into the proposed route of the Aberdeen bypass has ended.

Transport Scotland, the agency managing the project, estimated that about 7,000 representations had been made. The final numbers will be known next week.

All objectors have been promised a personal reply.

The arguments will be discussed at a forthcoming public hearing, which is likely to be held towards the end of the year.

Local economy

Transport Scotland project manager for the Aberdeen Western Peripheral Route (AWPR), Graham Edmond, said: "It is only right that those people who are directly affected are given the opportunity to object if they so wish.

"As with any major infrastructure project, we would anticipate a public inquiry and both the objections to and the case for the Aberdeen Western Peripheral Route will be able to be heard in that forum."

Friends of the Earth Scotland claimed that the scheme was "flawed and environmentally damaging".

While many are against the bypass, the road has considerable support from local business people, who believe it is vital to the economy.

The 46km bypass will cost hundreds of millions of pounds to build.

The AWPR, due to open in 2011, is among transport projects intended to help improve road safety, reduce congestion and grow the local economy.