A public consultation has been launched on plans for a new roundabout aimed at improving safety at the busy Toll of Birness junction.
Aberdeenshire Council and regional transport body Nestrans are seeking views on preliminary designs for the A90/A952 junction north of Ellon, which is used by thousands of motorists every day.
The proposals are the result of several years of work involving the council, Nestrans and Transport Scotland to identify a long-term solution for the junction, where a number of serious incidents have occurred.
Work on the project is being funded through the Aberdeen City Region Deal and follows transport appraisals and detailed studies of the A90 and A952 corridors.
As well as improving safety, the proposed roundabout is intended to improve traffic flow and strengthen connections to Peterhead and Fraserburgh, supporting freight movements and future economic development.
Residents, businesses and road users can take part in an online consultation until September 18, with the findings to be shared with Transport Scotland as work to identify a preferred option progresses.
A public drop-in exhibition will also be held at Hatton Public Hall on Wednesday, September 2, from 2pm until 7pm, where people can see the designs and speak to the project team.
The event will also include information on appraisal work for the Cortes junction on the A952 south of Fraserburgh.
Councillor Alan Turner, chair of Aberdeenshire Council’s Infrastructure Services Committee and vice-chair of Nestrans, said: “Toll of Birness is a busy junction on a key route and it is vital that we continue to look at how we can improve safety for all road users.
"Incidents around this location have at times been serious and this reinforces why we are bringing forward these proposals. These designs are the result of several years of partnership working between Aberdeenshire Council, Nestrans and Transport Scotland to identify the most appropriate solution for the junction.
"Aberdeenshire Council and Nestrans are clear that we must also try to future-proof the Toll of Birness for planned growth, including new housing and major commercial developments which are key to supporting our local economy.”
Chair of the Aberdeen City Region Deal and co-leader of Aberdeenshire Council, Cllr Anne Stirling, added: “This important project has been supported through the Aberdeen City Region Deal, which is helping us develop robust designs and business cases for strategic transport improvements.
"Building on many years of technical assessment and joint working with our transport partners, we are now at an important stage where local communities and road users can help shape the preferred option.
"It is essential that we develop the strongest possible case with clear designs and costings so that we are well placed when national funding opportunities arise to progress to scheme delivery. I would encourage everyone with an interest in this vital route to get involved in the consultation, either online or at the public event.”
More details on the project can be found here.