Aberdeen has experienced significant traffic disruption and gridlock following the implementation of new bridge closures and lane restrictions. Starting on Monday (January 19), commuters faced extensive delays getting into the city as essential roadworks commenced on the Bridge of Dee and the King George VI Bridge.
Morning rush hour saw lengthy queues form, with traffic lights contributing to congestion on both affected routes. Motorists reported tailbacks extending from the Bridge of Dee roundabout and along South Deeside Road. Original 106 listeners reported waiting times of over an hour as traffic was diverted and lanes were reduced across the city’s key arteries.
The Bridge of Dee is currently closed to northbound traffic, while the King George VI Bridge has been closed southbound. These directional closures have effectively reduced both major roads to a single lane for opposing traffic flows, exacerbating congestion.
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The ongoing restrictions are in place to allow crews to undertake crucial repairs to potholes, attributed to the recent period of extreme winter weather. Aberdeen City Council has previously acknowledged an increase in potholes across the city, prioritising repairs for those deemed “high priority” which emerged due to ice and snow.
The King George VI Bridge, which connects Kincorth and the southern parts of Aberdeen via Great Southern Road, was originally constructed in the late 1930s to alleviate pressure on the older Bridge of Dee. Its current southbound closure, alongside the northbound closure of the Bridge of Dee, underscores the critical nature of these repair works.
The repair works are anticipated to last between four and five days, with further disruption expected for commuters throughout this week. Drivers are advised to allow for extended travel times and consider alternative routes where possible.
