There will be new traffic analysis carried out at the notorious Laurencekirk junction as part of a report aimed at improving road safety.
Engineering consultants CH2M HILL will carry out the analysis as part of their Access to Laurencekirk Study, which aims to identify a preferred solution to the access between the A90 and the Mearns town.
The project also seeks to ensure road safety is improved while the scheme remains cost effective.
As part of the report, there will be fresh traffic analysis carried out at the three junctions connecting Laurencekirk to the A90.
Previous studies have revealed a large number of people make long diversions to avoid the junction.
Flyover campaigner Jill Fotheringham said: “I know a lot of people, especially elderly folk, who just won’t travel because the junction is too dangerous.
“When queues build up behind you and people become impatient it can be very intimidating.”
Around 800 homes and more business premises could be built in Laurence-kirk in years to come, adding to concerns over the junctions and congestion.
A public drop-in session for the new study was recently held by CH2M HILL, Nestrans, Transport Scotland and Aberdeenshire Council in Laurencekirk.
At the session, Laurencekirk resident Ian Greig said: “I think it’s really good that there are interactive sessions like this. It’s been really enlightening to speak to the people involved and see how the process works.
“I want to see two grade-separated junctions at both ends of the town.”
Montrose councillor David May encouraged road users who didn’t attend the drop-in session to get in touch with the consultation manager.
He said: “Although the junction is in Aberdeenshire, it is greatly used by people in Montrose.
“I made it clear at the public session that with the huge expansion in Montrose there is more and more traffic from there using the junction, which is sometimes impossible to cross.
“Consequently there is a huge need for something to be done, and I would encourage everyone who uses the junction to respond to the survey.”
Meanwhile, Mearns Community Council has presented its proposals for better access to Laurencekirk to regional transport body Nestrans.
It wants to see major improvements to two junctions on the A90 Aberdeen to Dundee road as well as a ring road around the town.
The new road would come from the A90 into Laurencekirk and link to the town’s High Street.
Their plan also calls for the old access route on the Aberdeen road which runs past the new Mearns Academy site to access the school only.