Slew of road closures disrupt students during crucial study periods
By Oliver Kennedy
As the spring schedule of roadworks begin around the University, students living at Hillhead have experienced a range of transportation delays and diversions.
Between the 2nd and 5th of April, Don Street was closed for essential resurfacing works, cutting off all road traffic except for emergency vehicles. The road to Hillhead, which all students will recognise, was in a terrible state of repair, with rough tarmac and frequent potholes. The works stretched from the King Street junction all the way up the hill towards Hillhead, also blocking access to residents of the area.
Number 20 route altered
The number 20 First Bus service was unable to operate its normal route, which usually delivers students to the university campus and the city centre. In an email sent to students residing at Hillhead, the disruption was explained in depth, as was the unavoidable nature of the works. Students were informed that footpaths would still be clear, and access to motorised delivery scooters was permitted over the Bridge of Balgownie.
Despite most students leaving Hillhead over the Easter holidays, many remained to study over the break, and they were advised to look at alternative transport routes and plan accordingly for the four days of closures. The University apologised for the inconvenience, explaining the works were related to Aberdeen City Council.
For those living in Hillhead, this becomes another frustration in a year of disappointment, with the closure of the main hub building and the stripped back facilities on offer, as previously reported by The Gaudie.
More road closures to affect bus services
Elsewhere, the closure of St Machar Drive due to resurfacing works will significantly impact students using the service 20 and 9U shuttle from Hillhead to ARI via the library.
Between 15th and 26th of April, the 20 will bypass the University campus on King Street, while the 9U will take a lengthy diversion over to Bridge of Don and through Tillydrone, which will take an extra 10 minutes to complete the service in either direction.
Furthermore, Union Street will soon be closed in sections for major redevelopment, impacting numerous bus routes, including the 1 and 2 services which pass the University on King Street.
These works come at a stressful time for students, with assessments due and examinations over this period.
New Bus Service for Cruise Ship Tourists
Due to the incoming wave of cruise ships descending on Aberdeen over the summer months, First Bus has created the ‘Cruise Ship 1’ (CS1) service.
Not intended for residents or students, the bus will come directly through the university campus, offering tourists a glimpse of Kings College, New Kings, and the Old Town House.
The CS1 will cost £5 and pass the University, Pittodrie Stadium, Beach Esplanade, Aberdeen Harbour, the city centre, and Torry, before terminating at the newly constructed cruise ship terminal at Nigg Bay.
