The Scottish Government has committed to finding a “robust solution” for accessing Laurencekirk from the A90 following a meeting with flyover campaigners.
Jill Fotheringham and Andy Ogilvie stressed the dangers of the town’s junction to the A90 at a face-to-face meeting at the Scottish Parliament with Transport Minister Derek Mackay yesterday.
Mr Mackay said he was aware of the issue and awaiting a report commissioned by North East of Scotland Transport Partnership, which will include a recommendation for the junction.
Jill said: “We went into the meeting with an attitude of it being a last-ditch effort to plead our case for a flyover.
“Mr Mackay said he valued our input but didn’t commit to anything.
“He said it was on his radar and that progress was being made. It’s just not happening quickly enough for us after 11 years we are a bit impatient now.”
Florist Jill started putting pressure on politicians for action after she became tired of producing wreaths for people who died on the road.
“At the moment, it’s a case of waiting for this report, which should be finished fairly soon,” she added.
“It will make a recommendation to Transport Scotland about what should happen.
“It’s all going to come down to money and who should pay for what.”
A public exhibition was held at the Dickson Hall in January to seek views on proposed options for junction improvements for the A90 and A937.
Seven packages were unveiled, but one involving average speed cameras was rejected, leaving six all of which include a grade-separation at the south junction.
A Scottish Government spokesman said: “We are committed to identifying a robust solution for access to Laurencekirk as soon as possible.
“We are working with partners including Aberdeenshire Council and Nestrans, who are currently finalising the Access to Laurencekirk study, which will form the strategic case for future investment decisions.
“The minister was pleased to meet and hear first-hand Ms Fotheringham’s views on the need for a grade-separated junction at Laurencekirk and her support for the option which sees the grade separation of the south Laurencekirk junction only.
“The minister was able to provide reassurance on this and of the Scottish Government’s awareness of the wider issues at Laurencekirk.
“Once the report is finalised a decision will be taken with partners on a preferred solution that best meets the objectives for improving the A90 at Laurencekirk, which will also include discussions around funding.”