Three options for developing a flagship segregated active travel route between Westhill and Kingswells are to go on display for public feedback. An online consultation will open today (Monday, 17 May) for a period of four weeks to help gather views on each option.
The planned path aims to create a safe, direct, convenient, coherent, and continuous active travel link between the two areas. It is hoped that this will encourage more people to walk, wheel or cycle, thereby creating opportunities to reduce car journeys.
The routes for the corridor are being considered by Nestrans, the Regional Transport Partnership, with input from Aberdeen City Council and Aberdeenshire Council.
The three options, all of which would be segregated, include an ‘on-line’ route following the A944, as well as possible paths north and south of the carriageway that could also connect the Prime Four Business Park, and Park & Ride facilities. The routes have been developed following earlier engagement with the public and a range of groups including elected representatives, council officers, key stakeholders and local primary schools.
Chair of Nestrans and Aberdeen City Council transport spokesperson, Councillor Sandra Macdonald said: “More people choose to travel by walking, wheeling or cycling when they can use paths that are separated from vehicular traffic. This flagship route is an important active travel connection and I’m pleased that this study is reaching its final stage.
“I’d encourage everyone who lives in the area to take part in the consultation.”
Councillor Peter Argyle, Chair of Aberdeenshire Council’s Infrastructure Services Committee and Vice-Chair of Nestrans, said: “The existing cycle route between Westhill and Kingswells is well-used. We have a great opportunity to improve what is available by creating a continuous route and we want to ensure that the final design will meet the needs of all users.”
The results of the active travel study will be fed into the upcoming detailed appraisal of the wider A944/A9119 multimodal corridor study, undertaken by Aberdeen City Council and funded by Nestrans.
