A90 flyover calls renewed at deadly Laurencekirk junction

Residents of a North-east Scotland town have been campaigning for a flyover allowing them to cross the A90 safely for over 11 years.

Laurencekirk locals remain frustrated at indecision over the construction of a flyover at the infamous accident blackspot where the A90 to Aberdeen and Edinburgh meets the A937 to Montrose.

NESTRANS, the transport body for Aberdeen and the surrounding area, have supported a report recommending the construction of a flyover, but no timetable has yet been confirmed.

Mearns Scottish Conservatives Councillor George Carr said: “I think the main concern is that NESTRANS has broken ranks and come forward with a one-junction option - they were part of the group where everyone was in favour of a two-junction solution.

“I feel that we should all be unanimously backing up the two-junction option to anchor development and make Laurencekirk a safer place.

“It’s extremely disappointing and gives mixed messages to the Scottish government - we were all unanimous, but now what are the government supposed to think?”

Drivers travelling both south and northbound on the A90 have to slow to 50mph to pass the busy junction, which is the main arterial road in and out of Laurencekirk.

There have been numerous fatalities at the accident blackspot over the past decade despite the installation of a safety camera and improved signage. This has led to renewed interest and local campaigning for a flyover to be put in place.

Mike Robson, secretary for the Laurencekirk Development Trust, said that he and the community hope that no more deaths take place between now and when a final timetable is decided upon for the proposals.

He said: “The impact on road users attracts an extensive list from victims and their friends and families, to stressed road users and the economic and social disruption of communities in Angus and the Mearns.

“It is important for all of us to keep reminding those in authority of the need to remove the problem and return to a more acceptable normality.”

A spokesperson for Transport Scotland added: “The Scottish Government is committed to delivering a grade separated junction at Laurencekirk and we are already working with the two local authorities and NESTRANS on the next steps.

“However, considerable development work lies ahead and all partners must work together to ensure it is delivered for the benefit of road users and the local community in Laurencekirk.”

In addition, the next meeting between NESTRANS, Transport Scotland, Aberdeenshire Council and Angus Council to discuss the development is not expected until next spring.