Campaigners fighting to upgrade the busy A90 Ellon to Peterhead route have said they are delighted they have got the issue “on the agenda”.
Regional transport body Nestrans recently discussed the issue as part of their ongoing strategic transport review in the north-east.
After the meeting, Ellon councillor – and the main driving force behind the Why Stop At Ellon campaign – Gillian Owen said five road options had been laid out.
These included a phased dualling of the A90, a series of overtaking and junction improvements, safety upgrades to the carriageway and improved bus links.
Last night Mrs Owen said: “No one will be surprised at the results and they are divided into three themes, journey times, road safety and choice. The report considers the implications of these issues and a range of possible options for delivering improvements.
“I think we can say that the Why stop at Ellon Campaign has successfully got the issue on to an agenda, but this is only the start. We have a long way to go and attending the public engagement meetings is crucial for us all to ensure our views are taken into account.”
The route is one of the busiest in the region, and Transport Scotland figures show that every day 13,000 vehicles travel on the three-mile stretch of the A90 from Ellon to Toll of Birness.
Some then branch off towards Mintlaw and Fraserburgh, but between 8,000 and 9,000 vehicles use the road to Peterhead.
Proposals to reinstate the north-east railway were also discussed at the Nestrans meeting on Friday as an option to improving links between Aberdeen and the surrounding areas.
The Buchan line could reconnect Ellon to Peterhead and Fraserburgh, and a campaign to restore the route is gathering steam.
East Garioch councillor Martin Ford said: “To bring that project forward, various technical appraisals will be required into the projected costs and benefits of reopening the line.”