The construction of a fourth bridge over the River Don is to be considered after councillors agreed to commission a study into the project’s viability.

As part of Aberdeen City Council’s bid to provide more sustainable transport and reduce car use, a study has been drawn up with transport options for the city.

It has focused on transport connections between new areas of residential development at Grandhome, Stoneywood and Blackdog and with key employment centres at Dyce and Murcar.

A report to the council’s infrastructure committee last week revealed this could include the construction of a bridge over the River Don between Grandhome and Stoneywood.

Unlike the recently opened third Don crossing, the Diamond bridge between Danestone and Tillydrone, the new crossing would only be open to buses, cyclists and walkers.

The report said such a bridge would “significantly reduce journey time” and encourages “sustainable travel”.

The report reads: “The development of this key piece of infrastructure would provide benefits for active travel accessibility in the shorter term and enable the operation of successful public transport services in the medium to longer term.

“The bridge connection is therefore highlighted as the key element to be considered as the study progresses.

“Engagement with the developers of the Grandhome and Stoneywood sites, the relevant landowners, and businesses located to the west of the River Don (at potential locations for a new bridge) would be worthwhile at an early stage in order to enable buy-in to the concept. Furthermore, detailed assessment of the flood risk in this area is also required.”

A total of £100,000 is available to progress the study.