A major underground cabling project in Aberdeen has run into serious delays after asbestos was discovered beneath the streets, forcing extended road closures across several key routes in the city.
The work, led by SSEN Transmission, involves replacing 132kV electricity cabling between the Redmoss and Clayhills substations – a five-kilometre stretch vital to Aberdeen’s energy network. The project is central to ensuring future power reliability, but its timeline has now been disrupted, with closures set to remain in place until at least mid-November.
Michael Dunn, Senior Project Manager at SSEN Transmission, said:
“The Redmoss and Clayhills substations form an integral part of the overall Aberdeen City 132kV ring network. This major cable replacement project is vital in maintaining a secure, reliable supply of power for the city in line with our goal to aim for 100% transmission network reliability for homes and businesses.”
Contractors unearthed the hazardous material during works on underground ducts carrying the ageing cable network. SSEN says that failing to act now would lead to even greater disruption later, as the project nears its final testing stages.
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The issue has triggered a fresh wave of restrictions and diversions across Aberdeen – some of which may appear inactive but remain essential for system testing and safety.
SSEN confirmed it is working closely with Balfour Beatty and Aberdeen City Council to minimise the disruption. However, motorists should prepare for continued delays as multiple routes remain either fully or partially closed.
Aberdeen road restrictions are as follows: (source)
| Road or Street | Restrictions in place | End date of restrictions |
|---|---|---|
| Abbotswell Crescent | Closed from junction with Arbroath Way to southern boundary of number 128 | 22 August |
| Abbotswell Crescent | Closed from junction with Redmoss Road to boundary between numbers 231 and 233 | 29 August |
| Fonthill Road | Closed westbound from Polmuir Road to Whinhill Road | 12 September |
| West Tullos Road | Closed southbound from King George VI Bridge Roundabout to Abbotswell Roundabout. No right turns from West Tullos onto Abbotswell Road | 12 September |
| Great Southern Road | Closed southbound from Whinhill Roundabout to Duthie Park Roundabout | 3 October |
| West Tullos Roundabout | No access to Abbotswell Road northbound from West Tullos Road (diversion via Wellington Road) | 17 October |
| Ferryhill Road | Closed from Crown Street to Ferryhill Terrace | 7 November |
| Wellington Road | Contraflow reducing traffic to one lane in both directions from West Tullos/Wellington Road Roundabout to Souter Head Roundabout | 14 N |
