Buses to return to Union Street for first time in two years after £23.4m project

Union Street in Aberdeen will welcome buses along its entire length for the first time in over two years following the completion of roadworks along the central span.

Known as the Granite Mile, the road has been off limits to traffic since work began on the £23.4m project to transform the section between Market Street and Bridge Street.

As well as eliminating car access, a dedicated cycle lane and bus route has been created, which buses will begin using from December 1.

The council had previously aimed for a completion date of late 2025, but the project has faced several setbacks, with work finishing just in time for the Christmas parade.

The new road layout will complement the new Aberdeen Market, known as Flint, when it opens next year.

Conservation restoration works to Smith’s Screen beside Kirk of St Nicholas are scheduled to be complete in early spring next year.

Council co-leader Ian Yuill said: “It will be great to see buses returning to the entire length of Union Street after an extensive amount of work to the central section.

“The work is the biggest change Union Street has had since it was originally constructed more than 200 years ago. The return of buses to the central part of Union Street represents an important milestone for the project and for Aberdeen city centre.”

Barry Watson, general manager of the First Bus Aberdeen depot, said: “We work closely with the city council and its transport and highways teams to help keep Aberdeen moving.

“This project is a perfect example of our collaboration to enable reliable bus travel while major redevelopment has taken place.

“Our team and the fleet are ready to resume full use of Union Street Central. Services 1, 1A ,2,11,17,18,19 will be operating, and we look forward to welcoming existing and new customers on board.”

David Beaton, managing director of Stagecoach North Scotland, added: “The return of buses along the full length of Union Street is an important milestone for Aberdeen and welcome news for our customers.

“We’re pleased to see this significant investment in the city centre reaching this stage and look forward to once again providing convenient access to the heart of the city.”