Plans for the long-awaited £24 million Laurencekirk flyover will step up a gear later this month.
Transport Scotland and road designers Amey are preparing to hold consultations on their preferred option to improve road safety in the area, which is currently serviced by average speed cameras and a 50mph zone along the A90 Aberdeen to Dundee road at Laurencekirk.
The final choice, which will be revealed at a public meeting in the Dickson Memorial Hall on July 20, was selected following a consultation last October when three potential solutions for the Laurencekirk Junction Improvement Scheme were considered by the public.
Residents and road users have been invited to attend the event and make their opinions known before Transport Scotland moves forward with the project.
Michael Matheson, the Scottish Government cabinet secretary for Transport, Infrastructure and Connectivity said: “I would encourage as many people as possible to attend the exhibitions in July or august, or view the material online and give us their views.
“All comments received will be considered as we look to publish draft orders for the scheme next year.”
Marie Gougeon, MSP for Angus North and Mearns added: “This is a very significant stage of the Laurencekirk development.
“It underlines that progress is being made and I hope this will reassure the public of the Scottish Government’s commitment towards the project.
“But it’s absolutely crucial that as many people who use the junction or live in the surrounding areas come along and have their say.”
Residents will also be able to make their voices heard at a second consultation day on Friday, August 24.
Both of the events will be open from noon to 7pm.
Meanwhile, work on the Balmedie to Tipperty section of the Aberdeen Western Peripheral Route is now “in the home stretch”.
A temporary work order has now been published to allow the contractor, Aberdeen Roads Limited, to apply a reduced speed limits to slip roads adjoining the new dual carriageway between Balmedie and Bridgend, as well as 1.5miles of improvements to the existing dual carriageway between Balmedia and Blackdog.
Douglas Laird, from Transport Scotland said: “This publication is a significant step towards opening the upgraded section of A90 between Balmedie and Tipperty.
“While we will only know the exact date when final works and safety inspections are fully complete, this milestone allows the contractor to start the necessary finishing works and certainly signals we’re in the home stretch.”
