A Mearns accident blackspot would get a flyover were the A90 a new build project, campaigners have revealed.
Angus North and Mearns MSP Nigel Don claimed Transport Scotland had accepted traffic flow at the Laurencekirk junction is over the threshold at which a grade-separated junction would be provided on a new road.
The information came to light at the Scottish Parliament’s infrastructure and capital investment committee on Wednesday, where Mr Don and safety activist Jill Fotheringham debated the long-running issue with roads officials.
Mr Don presented video footage of the junction to highlight its dangers, including pictures of a tractor and trailer blocking one side of the carriageway as it crossed the central reservation.
Since being posted on YouTube it has attracted more than 1,100 views.
Committee members also asked witnesses from the community, the local authorities and Transport Scotland to describe the traffic situation where the A90 is joined by the A937 from Montrose and Marykirk.
Mr Don said: “There was agreement that the traffic flows at the Laurencekirk south junction exceed the levels at which a grade-separated junction would be provided on a new road.
“The frustrating thing is that the speed limit is presently seen by Transport Scotland as a satisfactory measure on the existing road.
“The argument that any upgrading of the junction should be paid for by developers was considered at some length.
“Again, I think there was agreement that there are not enough building opportunities near the south junction for this to be the case.”
Mr Don said it is now down to the committee to decide what further action it will take on the issue, which was initially sparked by a public petition from Ms Fotheringham.
He added: “I think the issues got a good airing and the onus is on the traffic professionals within Aberdeenshire Council, NESTRANS and Transport Scotland to find a way of providing the grade-separated junction it is entirely clear the community needs.”
A Transport Scotland spokeswoman said: “We will be supplying the committee with the additional information they requested.
“We also recognised the comments from both local community representatives and the local authorities on the good working relationship with Transport Scotland.”