Aberdeen’s notorious Haudagain Roundabout is currently undergoing a series of overnight repair works, prompting warnings for residents to anticipate travel disruption.
The essential maintenance, which commenced on Monday, December 8, is scheduled to continue through the nights of Tuesday, December 9, and Wednesday, December 10, from 7 pm to 6 am. These works coincide with a Met Office yellow weather warning for strong winds across Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire, potentially exacerbating travel challenges.
The Haudagain, historically dubbed “Scotland’s worst roundabout” due to persistent congestion at the intersection of the A92 and A96, has long been a focal point for traffic management in the North East. For decades, it served as a significant bottleneck, causing considerable delays for commuters and freight alike. Prior to major improvements, the Institute of Directors estimated in 2006 that congestion at the junction cost the local economy between £15 million and £30 million annually.
In a substantial effort to alleviate these long-standing issues, a £49.5 million bypass project was completed and opened in May 2022. This significant infrastructure investment by the Scottish Government delivered a 500-metre dual carriageway link road, designed to facilitate traffic flow between the A92 North Anderson Drive and the A96 Auchmill Road, thereby bypassing the most congested sections of the roundabout. Despite the completion of this major upgrade, routine repair and maintenance has remained crucial for the upkeep of the busy transport artery.
The current repair works, managed by Aberdeen City Council, aim to minimise daytime disruption by operating during overnight hours. While through traffic on the roundabout is being maintained, drivers and pedestrians are advised to prepare for potential delays. Footway closures are in effect, with the local authority recommending pedestrians utilise alternative paths.
An official statement from Aberdeen City Council confirmed the schedule:
“Drivers and pedestrians are reminded that repair works on the Haudagain roundabout begin tonight – 7pm to 6am – and same time on 9 and 10 December. Through traffic will be maintained during the works. There will be a footway closure and pedestrians should use the opposite path”.
The timing of these repairs is particularly pertinent given the Met Office’s yellow warning for wind, which came into effect at 12 pm on Wednesday, December 9, and is set to continue until 6 am on Thursday, December 10. Forecasters anticipate southerly winds of 50-60 mph, with gusts potentially exceeding 70 mph in exposed areas, raising concerns about additional travel disruption and potential impacts on the outdoor works.
The ongoing works underscore the continuous challenge for urban centres like Aberdeen to balance essential infrastructure maintenance with minimising inconvenience to its residents and businesses, especially at a junction with a long history of traffic complexities.
