Plans approved for A90 upgrade

The Scottish Government has approved the upgrading of the key arterial Aberdeen to Ellon road.

Keith Brown, the new transport minister, approved the scheme for a new section of dual carriageway, with flyovers, between Balmedie and Tipperty in Aberdeenshire.

However, the road is linked to the proposed Aberdeen bypass, which is the subject of a legal challenge.

The A90 upgrade project was highlighted in the SNP administration's draft budget for 2011-12, announced last November.

Transport Scotland said the road is estimated to cost between 51 million and 64 million.

It stated that work on the new carriageway could progress when legal issues surrounding the Aberdeen Western Peripheral Route are resolved.

Pressure group Road Sense is challenging the 2009 decision to approve the 28-mile bypass after local objections and a four-month public inquiry.

Mr Brown said: "The A90 is an important strategic route that carries traffic north of Aberdeen up to Fraserburgh. The local community have been pressing for the section between Balmedie and Tipperty to be dualled for a number of years.

"This scheme when completed will result in improved and more reliable journey times and improved safety for anyone using the A90 north of Aberdeen."

He accepted some recommendations following an inquiry into the plans, but did not accept recommendations for fundamental redesign of sections of the route.

Mr Brown continued: "I have therefore decided on the grounds of improving road safety and providing increased accessibility for local communities and the north-east in general, the orders for the dualling of the A90 between Balmedie and Tipperty should be made."