Hundreds of people Moray ran the rule over plans to dual the A96 between Inverness and Aberdeen as a series of public exhibitions was launched in Elgin.
Over the next fortnight, further displays will be held along the 104-mile route, with residents being encouraged to attend and air their views.
Plans for he £475million development were on show in Elgin Library.
Lhanbryde resident Anne Fyall, 61, who works for a tarmac firm in Keith, said her interest in the project was more than just professional.
She explained: “My daughter lives in Aberdeen so the A96 being dualled will make a big difference for her and me.
“It’s interesting to see what the proposals are, and once you see them before you on a map it helps put things in context.”
Offshore worker David Bayliss, also from Lhanbryde, welcomed the plans as a means to reduce traffic congestion.
The 36-year-old said: “I use the A96 between Elgin and Aberdeen regularly, but as of late I’ve been using the train more due to the traffic.
“I’m in favour of anything that will make the journey easier.”
Transport Scotland’s Craig Cameron said: “We had a consistent flow of people looking at the plans throughout the day, and they asked questions on the length and breadth of the scheme.
“Overall the proposal has been very well-received.”
The Scottish Government has committed to dualling the whole length of the A96 trunk road by 2030.
Infrastructure Secretary Keith Brown said: “This huge job requires careful, in-depth planning and design.
“We need to deliver the right scheme to help tackle congestion, make journey times more reliable and, crucially, improve road safety for all along the route.
“We are giving the public a chance to comment on the range of options to improve this section of the A96 which will be taken forward to the next stage of design.”
Further exhibitions, which are open from noon-7pm, will be held in Forres Town Hall today and in the Gordon Arms Hotel in Huntly tomorrow.
Plans will then go on show at Fochabers Public Institute on Monday, May 18; Longmore Hall in Keith on May 19; Leys Hotel in Aberdeen on May 20 and the Kintore Arms Hotel in Inverurie on May 21.
