Waterproofing work to be carried out on Union Bridge

Waterproofing works are due to be carried out this week on the south footway of Union Bridge as part of the Union Street Central streetscape improvement works on behalf of Aberdeen City Council.

Contractors will use specialist non-toxic resin during the works on Thursday 16 and Friday 17 April. The resin has a distinctive odour during the application which is similar to paint thinner and becomes a slight plastic or rubber smell as it cures.

The resin takes around an hour to cure with the smell fading after that. It is widely used throughout the construction industry and is applied by specially trained operatives in a controlled process. The resin presents no public risk.

Any smell will be minimal and temporary outside the immediate work area. These works will be subject to the appropriate weather conditions, and the planned dates may be changed.

The waterproofing works are necessary as part of the upgrading of the Union Bridge which was completed in 1805 and is the largest single-span granite bridge in the world.

John Edwards, project director for hub North Scotland, who are Aberdeen City Council’s delivery partner for the £150 million City Centre and Beach Master Plan, said: “Our contractors have spoken to nearby shops and businesses to reassure them any odour will be temporary.”

The Union Street Central improvements are due to be completed later this summer with Morrison Construction Infrastructure as the main contractor.

The other key elements of the City Centre and Beach Master Plan are a new market, called Flint, on the Green, which is being constructed by Morrison Construction Building North-east and is due for completion in summer 2027. It will be operated by local hospitality business, the McGinty Group.

There is also a new beach park, being constructed by Robertson Construction, which is due for completion this summer and Morrison Construction Infrastructure has recently begun work on major streetscape improvements at the historic Castlegate area, which is due for completion in summer 2027.