The decade-long battle to give the Mearns safer access to the A90 is one step closer to success, campaigners say.
It has emerged a consultant will study designs for a “preferred option” for accessing Laurencekirk by the A90, often described as an accident “black spot”.
The latest figures show there have been four fatal, 15 serious and 22 slight-injury accidents on the A90 at Laurencekirk between 1999 and 2009.
Lobbyists have fought to make the junction safer with the addition of a flyover, the area’s MSP being among them. Nigel Don has welcomed the news that “some reward” may be coming their way.
He said: “The plan is that Transport Scotland, Aberdeenshire Council and Nestrans (North East of Scotland Transport Partnership) will commission a study of road conditions, expansion plans for the Laurencekirk area and the impact of development on the village itself.
“I understand the consultant will be asked to come up with a sensible way of addressing the various problems which exist. In my view, that would have to include a safer crossing to and from Marykirk.
“This still has to be agreed by the Nestrans board but I get the strong impression the agencies recognise the problem and will now tackle all the issues in a purposeful way.”
A petition calling for a flyover was submitted in December by local campaigners to Holyrood’s infrastructure and capital investment committee.
Mr Don added: “This is some reward for all those who have campaigned about road safety at Laurencekirk for many years.
“I hope the consultant will take account of the views and the valuable knowledge held by local people and that progress will be swift.”