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Business case for dualling A90 between Ellon and Peterhead expected to be completed by next December
Regional transport body Nestrans confirmed that a business case to send to the Scottish Government, alongside the development and assessment of a preferred option for the works, will be finalised by the end of next year.
An update which will be presented at todayβs Nestrans meeting states that engineering firm Arcadis has been commissioned by Aberdeenshire Council to form a business case which would then be sent to Transport Scotland for consideration.
The business case, which will be funded by the Aberdeen City Region Deal, will look at dualling from the Ellon bypass to the Toll of Birness, which would include replacing its junction with a roundabout.
Another option will look at a 2+1, three-lane road, on the A90 northbound and A952 from the Toll of Birness to Peterhead and Fraserbrugh.
The 2+1 proposal would consist of overtaking lanes that would alternate.
In addition, other safety improvements on the A952 to Fraserburgh will be assessed, including a roundabout to replace the Cortes junction.
Gordon and Buchan MP Harriet Cross said: βThe publication of the business case is certainly a step in the right direction for communities across Gordon and Buchan who have had to travel on this hazardous road for far too long.
βI hope this business case will present compelling evidence to the government of the need to upgrade the A90 north of Ellon β something which has been overlooked for too long.
βIndeed, it is now almost 20 years since former First Minister Alex Salmond promised to do so and road users have received nothing but broken promises and delays during that time.
βMotorists on the A90 face daily risks and road closures, which are endangering lives, hampering our emergency services and disrupting businesses across a range of industries including farming, fishing and freight.
βBut this business case milestone should prove a catalyst for the A90 to finally be upgraded, which would deliver future prosperity and development opportunities to the North East, and most importantly, reduce the risk of collisions and fatalities on a road that is currently not fit for purpose.β
An update given to Nestrans board members said: βAberdeenshire Council is progressing the DMRB stage 3 and business case for the preferred options from the STAG study in the Toll of Birness area using Aberdeen City Region Deal funding.
βArcadis has been appointed through the SCAPE framework.
βThe business case will now be developed, with the milestone end date now set for December 2026.β