Last chance for say on region’s travel strategy

Kintore could be one of a number of new north-east railway stations to open in the coming years.

Today is the final chance to provide feedback on regional transport body Nestrans’ 2040 strategy. The consultation, which has been open for months, ends later today.

Within the documents published are intentions to explore the possibility of more rail stations throughout the north-east.

Stations on existing lines are under consideration in the south of Aberdeen, as well as on the lines to Stonehaven and Inverurie.

But new lines to towns like Ellon – as well as a potential route to the Cairngorms National Park – are also being looked at.

Continued improvements are being promised on train links from Aberdeen to the central belt.

But the wide- ranging document is not limited to outlining rail expansion.

Campaigners rejoiced at news the plans contained the ambition to introduce dual carriageways to the Toll of Birness on the A90 Ellon to Peterhead road.

Residents have long called for the improvement to be made to the notorious junction. Further north, towards Peterhead and Fraserburgh, “2+ 1” lanes could be installed.

The Toll of Birness junction itself could be made a roundabout to prevent drivers being forced to pull across traffic on to the busy A90 Ellon to Peter head road, when joining from the A952 Mintlaw road. Other ideas include the creation of a Dundee bypass. Nestrans’ planners are also looking how to “alter priorities” on the A92 Stonehaven to Blackdog road through Aberdeen: namely Anderson Drive, the Parkway and Ellon Road.

Feedback on the Nestrans strategy can still be made today at nestrans2040.org.uk