Aberdeen traffic delays blamed on Queen's death

Operation Unicorn caused the roadworks to be postponed

A report into severe traffic delays during multiple roadworks in Aberdeen has listed the death of Queen Elizabeth II - six months earlier - as one of the causes.

Major roadworks lasting three months were due to begin on King George VI Bridge over the River Dee in autumn 2022.

However, they were postponed for Operation Unicorn - the major operation after the Queen's death at Balmoral - and the procession of her coffin through the city.

When the work began in March 2023, there were already other traffic restrictions in place on the Bridge of Dee and for a large-scale road improvement project around South College Street.

The work caused significant traffic issues in Aberdeen

The ensuing delays and frustration for motorists and local businesses were so extreme they prompted councillors to call for lessons to be learned.

Their officials' report said other factors in choosing the new timing for the work included working through the winter, rising construction costs, and the availability of contractors.

It concluded the disruption was undesirable, but had been down to unique circumstances.