Aberdeen’s Union Street Improvements Face Further Delays

Improvements to **Aberdeen’s Union Street** could face further delays, according to a new council report. Aberdeen City Council (ACC) officials indicated that existing “risks” in the planned work might extend completion to **early autumn**, instead of late summer. The project was originally scheduled for completion last year.

The section of Union Street between Bridge Street and Market Street has already been closed for **two years** to facilitate new road surfacing, dedicated bus and cycle lanes, and other infrastructure work. Last year, contractors reported that **underground obstacles** had contributed significantly to the delays. These issues included deep hidden manholes, old tram wires, and over **20 clusters of undocumented utility pipes and cables**.

The budget for the works has also escalated to almost **£23.8 million**, an increase from the initial estimate of **£17 million**. A new report, set to be presented to ACC’s finance and resources committee on Wednesday, stated: “Since start on site, there has been additional work required to deal with the removal of undocumented and redundant utilities and the complex vaulted structures.” The report further added: “These factors, along with productivity constraints stemming from the logistical challenges of the site, have led to programme delays.”

“There are a number of risks still present within the planned works, which if realised, are likely to extend the works into **early autumn 2026**.”

The update to councillors also noted that nearby projects at the Castlegate and a new market at the Green are still anticipated to be completed next year. ACC previously stated that the new market would establish a “destination venue featuring international-style food and drink outlets.”

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