New cycle facilities will connect Wellington Road with the “Shell Path”, which runs between King George VI Bridge and Abbotswell Road, improving active travel options. Works will include installing cycle tracks alongside footways on Craigshaw Drive and parallel crossings across Abbotswell Road and Craigshaw Drive.

Aberdeen City Council co-leader Councillor Ian Yuill said: “The improvements to cycling links provided by this project will make it safer for cyclists to get to and from the area around West Tullos Industrial Estate.

“The city council is committed to improving walking and cycling links within Aberdeen. This will help improve health and wellbeing and protect our natural environment.”

Patrick Harvie MSP, minister for active travel, added: “I’m pleased to see work get underway on this exciting new project to improve cycle links in Aberdeen, which will give more people the opportunity to walk, wheel or cycle.

“Over £1.1 million from the Scottish Government has been invested in both the design and construction of this project, and I look forward to seeing it bring environmental and health benefits to the city.”

The project is linked to the City’s Active Travel Action Plan which aims to provide improved walking, wheeling and cycling facilities and routes.

Funding for the work has been secured from the Scottish Government through walking, wheeling and cycling charity Sustrans Scotland’s Places for Everyone programme, the Regional Transport Partnership for Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire, Nestrans, and the Cycling, Walking and Safer Routes fund.

Michael Melton, grant manager at Sustrans Scotland, added: “We are so pleased to see the improvement work starting on the cycle links around Tullos and Wellington Road.

The funding awarded for this project will provide a high-quality connection between the Shell Path and Wellington Road, making it easier and safer for everyone to make healthier, happier, and more sustainable choices for their everyday journeys.”

The Nestrans chair, Councillor Alan Turner, of Aberdeenshire Council, said: “Nestrans is very pleased to support this project that aims to enhance connectivity and prioritise safety in the area.

“The initiative is one of several that we are working on with partners, to deliver a better network of cycle routes and quiet routes, to improve cycling infrastructure and enhance the cycle-friendly environment across the city.”

Aberdeen-based construction firm Leiths will carry out the work, which is expected to be completed in Spring 2024.