The latest phase of work on Dundee’s multi-million-pound waterfront project gets under way today.
Culminating in the opening of the new ‘Northern Boulevard’ in just over two years’ time, the works will begin on Monday when gas, electricity and telephone cabling under the Olympia car park will be re-routed.
As a result, the car park will close to all traffic from Monday, with alternative spaces available at nearby Greenmarket, Gellatly Street, Earl Grey Place and Discovery Point car parks.
For the first three months only minor traffic management will be in place around the Olympia car park, to allow contractor Sir Robert McAlpine Ltd to work safely.
However, project chiefs say drivers will see significant changes with the conclusion of the current phase of works next month, when a new temporary westbound route through the waterfront area and a new Tay Road Bridge ramp open.
In the new year, work will start on changing the Riverside roundabout to a T-junction to provide access for the proposed railway bridge replacement and railway station upgrade. These works are scheduled for completion in autumn 2012.
At the same time, a temporary ramp to the Tay Road Bridge will be built to allow demolition of the existing ramps and create space for the new permanent approach ramps to be constructed.
Activity on the new grid pattern street layout will go on throughout 2012 and 2013 while Tayside House is demolished to allow work on the Northern Boulevard.
The 27-month programme will cost more than £11 million.
Ken Guild, chairman of the Dundee Waterfront Board, said: “With the current contract that is being completed early and the next phase of works about to get under way, people are beginning to see for themselves the new waterfront truly taking shape.
“Significant progress is being made now on delivering the vision, not only earlier than scheduled but also under budget.
“As developers and investors see the substantial steps that are being taken, with most of the development sites now cleared, the waterfront area is attracting significant interest with further investment to come.”For more information visit www.dundeewaterfront.com