The Transport Secretary of Scotland has announced that Aberdeen Roads Limited (ARL) has completed physical works on the last remaining unopened segment of the Aberdeen Western Peripheral Route (AWPR). Pending final safety checks, the 58km dual carriageway will shortly be fully open to the public.

ARL, comprised of Balfour Beatty, Carillion and Galliford Try, was selected to design, construct, finance, operate and maintain the road in June 2014. The protracted construction period was due to be completed last year. However, in May 2018 ARL reported a technical issue with the road segment that crosses the River Don. In October, it was revealed that the identified defects were more extensive that initially thought and required a greater scope of remedial works.

The physical works on the Don Crossing are now complete, with only some survey work and safety checks remaining before the 7km segment can be opened.

Although, the Transport Secretary has warned that the road will not open until technical experts are satisfied that the construction delays will not cost taxpayers. Representatives from the ARL consortium notified the Scottish Parliament in December that they intend to seek compensation from Transport Scotland for extra money spent on top of the original fixed contract price.