Navigating the Guild Street Bridge Closure: What Aberdeen Commuters Need to Know

Aberdeen city centre is bracing for significant traffic changes this week. Starting Thursday, 30 July 2026, the Guild Street Bridge will close completely to all traffic for four days.

This closure marks the second phase of a vital local repair program. While the upgrades are necessary for the city's infrastructure, the temporary closure will impact daily commutes, shopping trips, and public transport routes around the Union Square area.

Here is everything you need to know to navigate the city centre smoothly over the next few days.

Key Closure Details

• Start Date: Thursday, 30 July 2026.
• Duration: Four days.
• Location: Guild Street Bridge (full closure to all vehicles).

Major Bus Diversions and Public Transport Changes

If you rely on public transport, prepare for alterations to your usual route. Both First Bus and Stagecoach have announced extensive diversions to keep passengers moving while Guild Street is inaccessible.

Many services that typically pass Union Square or the rail station will be rerouted through adjacent streets. Commuters are strongly advised to check updated timetables and local bus apps before setting off to avoid unexpected delays.

Low Emission Zone (LEZ) and Bus Gate Suspensions

To accommodate the displaced traffic and prevent complete gridlock, Aberdeen City Council is introducing temporary traffic easing measures.

During the four-day repair window, local bus gates and certain Low Emission Zone (LEZ) restrictions along the detour routes will be temporarily suspended. This allows regular motorists to use alternative city centre streets without facing fines.

Top Tips for Commuters This Week

1. Plan Ahead: Leave 15 to 20 minutes earlier than usual for your commute.
2. Use the Suspended Zones: Take advantage of the temporarily lifted bus gates to navigate detours legally.
3. Check Your App: Download the First Bus or Stagecoach apps for real-time bus tracking and stop changes.

Stay tuned for further updates as the repair works progress!

Related Links

• First Bus Aberdeen: www.firstbus.co.uk/aberdeen/news-and-service-updates
• Stagecoach: www.stagecoachbus.com/service-updates

🚧 Consultation: Proposed Pedestrian Crossing Improvements on Countesswells Road

Aberdeen City Council is inviting comments on proposals to improve pedestrian safety on Countesswells Road, with the consultation running from 29 June to 29 July. The consultation period has been extended to account for the summer holiday season.

Why are these changes being proposed?

Following complaints about the lack of a safe crossing point on Countesswells Road, between Seafield Road and the nearby junction, surveys were carried out. The results showed there is sufficient demand for a pedestrian refuge island to help people cross the road more safely.

To ensure the new crossing has clear visibility for both drivers and pedestrians, the Council is also proposing 'No Waiting at Any Time' (double yellow line) restrictions around the crossing location. These restrictions are intended to prevent parked vehicles from blocking sightlines for approaching traffic and people waiting to cross.

What about parking?

The Council acknowledges that the new restrictions may reduce the number of on-street parking spaces nearby. However, parking has been reconfigured on the one-way section of Countesswells Road serving properties 68B–68D, creating additional spaces which are expected to offset those lost as part of the scheme.

How to submit an objection

Anyone wishing to object to the proposals should send their comments, including the reasons for their objection, along with their name and address, before 29 July.

Email: trafficmanagement@aberdeencity.gov.uk

Or write to:

Traffic Management and Road Safety Team
City Regeneration and Environment
Aberdeen City Council
Business Hub 4
Ground Floor North
Marischal College
Aberdeen AB10 1AB

Please note

Objections submitted as part of the statutory consultation will be shared with the relevant Council committee and may be made available for public inspection and to the press. Personal details such as names, addresses, telephone numbers and signatures will be redacted before publication.

For more information on how Aberdeen City Council handles personal data relating to Traffic Regulation Orders, please see the Council's Traffic Regulation Order Privacy Notice.

Related Links

• Aberdeen City Council - Draft Traffic Regulation Orders: https://traffic-management-and-developer-proposals-2026.commonplace.is/en-GB/proposals/v3/draft-traffic-regulation-orders
• Aberdeen City Council - Citywide Traffic Management and Developer Proposals 2026: www.traffic-management-and-developer-proposals-2026.commonplace.is

Residents have raised concerns in recent years about the condition of Couper's Pond, particularly the lower water levels and the general appearance of the surrounding area. Following enquiries from the local community, an update has now been provided by Macaulay Development Trust, which owns the site.

Although the pond is privately owned, the trust has long allowed free public access to the grounds, making it a valued local green space enjoyed by many residents.

The organisation has acknowledged the concerns raised by the community and confirmed that work is already underway to better understand the condition of the pond and determine the most appropriate long-term solution.

As part of this work, environmental specialists were commissioned to carry out an expert assessment. Their findings indicate that there is sufficient water flow to sustain Couper's Pond. However, damage to the pond's clay liner means it is currently unable to retain water effectively, contributing to the lower water levels that residents have noticed.

The assessment also identified a significant issue with invasive non-native plant species in and around the pond, including New Zealand pygmy weed. These invasive plants will need to be addressed before the pond can safely be restored to a level where water can naturally discharge downstream.

The trust is now considering the options available for restoring and improving the pond. While it has some financial resources, restrictions on how those funds can be used mean that external funding and partnership support will be needed to deliver the necessary work. As a result, the restoration process is expected to take time.

It has reiterated its commitment to finding the best way forward and recognises the importance of Couper's Pond to the local community. Further updates are expected as the project progresses.

Related Links

• The Macaulay Development Trust: www.macaulaydevelopmenttrust.org