Work to construct a long-awaited £24 million flyover at a Mearns blackspot could start in 2021.
The eagerly-awaited date was revealed at a public consultation event in the town on Friday which is the latest step along the road to improvements at a blackspot which was previously branded one of the worst in the UK.
The 2021 start date is the dream scenario for the design team but it will all depend on whether there are objections or the need for a public inquiry by the time of the final stage of the assessment process in 2019.
Transport Scotland’s design manager Sandy Jamieson said: “If we had no objections…no representations, we could move forward to potentially procuring the contractor in 2020 with the potential for starting work in 2021.”
Mr Jamieson added: “We are here to explain where we are in the process and more importantly what the next steps are to take this forward.
“We’re obviously aware through Jill Fotheringham about the sensitivities around the scheme and how much the local community want this to happen.
“I think today is vital to reinforce the Scottish Government’s commitment to take this scheme beyond anywhere that it has ever been before and through to its conclusion.”
The design team will consult on the options that are emerging and anticipate being able to identify a preferred option next year.
Following selection of the preferred option, the design will be further developed and assessed with an Environmental Impact Assessment prepared and the land required for the junction improvement identified.
It is anticipated that the assessment will take 12-18 months to complete with draft Orders expected to be published in 2019 for formal comment.
Progress thereafter will depend on the public reaction to the published draft Orders and whether there is a need for a public inquiry
Community campaigners such as Jill Fotheringham from Montrose have campaigned for a flyover at the blackspot junction for more than a decade.
She said: “As long as everything is plain sailing we are looking at 2021 to start building.
“We now have a date and I think today may give people reassurance that it is actually going to happen.
“If the design team do their jobs right and it all goes well we are looking at construction in 2021 so it’s positive.”
In January 2016, the Scottish Government announced £24 million for the design and construction of a grade-separated junction improvement at Laurencekirk as part of a package of additional investment alongside the Aberdeen City Region Deal.
In September 2016, following a competitive tendering process, Transport Scotland appointed Amey to take forward option assessment and development work.
Since being appointed, Amey has mobilised their design and assessment teams, commenced preliminary designs and topographical survey work and initial consultation with statutory bodies.
Friday’s ‘Meet the Team’ event was part of Transport Scotland’s community engagement, allowing the public to find out more about the essential design and assessment process to be followed during the development of the scheme.
