Transport Scotland held an industry day to brief potential contractors and funders on the Aberdeen Western Peripheral Route (AWPR) and Balmedie-Tipperty A90 project.
And judging by the turn-out, competition between contractors is set to fierce.
The client body only recently decided to bundle the two jobs together under one non-profit distribution (NPD) contract to speed up procurement and drive down costs.
The open day was attended by 150 delegates from more than 60 organisations. Transport minister Keith Brown told them: “After many years of delay this essential project has gathered significant pace since the Supreme Court dismissed the appeal against the AWPR – with the immediate publication of the PIN followed by commencement of supplementary ground investigation works and now this industry day.
“Ensuring that we deliver this long-awaited project for the northeast of Scotland through investment in the AWPR alongside our partners, Aberdeen City and Aberdeenshire councils, is something we are committed to doing and I am very pleased to have been able to address major organisations from Scotland, the rest of the UK and across Europe today.
“Over the next three decades, the project is expected to bring in an additional £6bn to the local economy and create around 14,000 new jobs. The major works phase will deliver a huge uplift in employment opportunities across the construction sector and associated disciplines.
“The AWPR/ Balmedie-Tipperty project will improve journey times, reduce congestion and help open up wider markets for the regionally and nationally important economy of the north-east delivering benefits of both local and national importance.”
Aberdeen City Council leader Barney Crockett said: "The presence here today in Aberdeen of representatives from some of the world's leading construction companies really drives home the true scale, significance and economic importance of the AWPR/Balmedie-Tipperty project to the northeast and the rest of Scotland. After years of delays we are now making rapid progress towards delivering this key piece of transport infrastructure which will boost jobs and business in the city and far beyond."
Aberdeenshire Council leader Jim Gifford added: "This industry day provides a major showcase for the Aberdeen Western Peripheral Route/Balmedie-Tipperty project and encourages consortiums and construction firms from across the world to bid for the work. This will be one of the largest construction projects in the UK and Europe in the next few years, stimulating the economy and providing local jobs. I am keen to demonstrate our total commitment for this project and enthusiasm for appointing the right team to develop this important piece of infrastructure."
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