A multi-million-pound transport plan will reunite both sides of a divided Angus town.
For generations, Arbroath has been split into two by the busy A92 dual carriageway.
The council has secured Scottish Government funding to transform the road into a shared thoroughfare for cars, cyclists and pedestrians “bringing east and west together”.
Transport Secretary Michael Matheson revealed on Tuesday the town had won £6.9 million for the ambitious project as part of the Places for Everyone initiative.
Local authorities up and down the country competed for a slice of the Sustrans Scotland and Transport Scotland programme.
Mr Matheson, who was in Perth to launch a new National Transport Strategy, confirmed Angus and Perth and Kinross were among the five national winners.
Council leader David Fairweather said the A92 plan represented a “stunning improvement” for Arbroath.
“For the last 20-odd years, Arbroath has basically been a split town, with a dual carriageway running right through the middle of it,” he said.
“This is going to give us a fantastic opportunity to bring east and west together.”
He said: “It’s fantastic news, not only for locals, but for visitors to the town.”
Mr Fairweather said it will link both sides with the bus station and visitor attractions.
Independent councillor Lois Speed said: “This project has the potential to not only transform our current landscape, but more importantly how we think, move and interact with each other and our town centre.”
She said: “I have no doubt that this will also help place Arbroath firmly back on the map, and enable it to be a top visitor and tourist destination once again.”
Led by the council’s Accessible Arbroath group, the improvements aim to address the severance issues caused by the A92.
Two lanes of traffic are expected to change into a 1.5km walking and cycling pathway, whilst new crossings will be put in place with the aim of reconnecting people to local amenities and attractions, as well as creating improved links to the seafront.
Grace Martin, director of Sustrans Scotland said: “We’re all changing the way we think and act to get from A to B.
“Much of this step change is a result of society becoming more aware of the effects of carbon emissions, but it’s also stepped in people wanting to live a healthier lifestyle and become more active.”
She added: “We are extremely excited and encouraged by the projects chosen to receive funding this year and we look forward to working in partnership with Angus Council to help make Arbroath more accessible.”
A consultation exercise will be held to give locals the chance to help shape the proposals.
