A90/a937 junction

The solution comes following a detailed appraisal commissioned by Nestrans which considered the key transport problems, issues, opportunities and constraints on the corridor and developed objectives to appraise alternative options.

The study aimed to determine a robust solution for access between the A90 Trunk Road and Laurencekirk and north Angus areas which would meet local objectives.

The preferred solution will improve capacity and reduce delay whilst satisfying the road safety concerns of local businesses and residents. The study has also identified opportunities to improve safety at nearby junctions through closures or access restrictions, although the optimum arrangement will require to be determined through more detailed design work.

Nestrans Chair, Councilor Ramsay Milne, said: “I am pleased that this study has been completed and appreciate the work that has gone into it to identify the best possible solutions for Laurencekirk residents, businesses and all other stakeholders.

“I look forward to the discussion on how the outcomes of the report can be progressed.”

Minister for Transport and Islands, Derek Mackay, said, “The Scottish Government has been committed to improving the A90 at Laurencekirk and the identification of a grade-separated junction for the route will be welcomed by all those who have campaigned for such an upgrade.

“We will now work with our partners to progress this work further including discussions around funding.”

Nestrans commissioned CH2M Hill in December 2013 in partnership with Transport Scotland and Aberdeenshire Council. The steering group for the study has also included Tactran, with participation from Angus Council.

The Access to Laurencekirk Study has been undertaken in accordance with Scottish Transport Appraisal Guidance (STAG) and the Design Manual for Roads and Bridges (DMRB) methodologies.

A long list of options were generated and then refined to form a series of packages for detailed appraisal.