The Scottish Government has revealed £24 million is available to develop a new grade-separated junction in Aberdeenshire.

It is understood the funding will be put towards redesigning the Laurencekirk junction on the A90.

Transport Scotland is now able to progress with the design phases of the upgrade project, taking the design through Design Manual for Roads and Bridges Stages Two [route option assessment] and Three [development of preferred junction option], to the preparation of draft road Orders.

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Infrastructure Secretary Keith Brown was in Aberdeen to welcome the funding yesterday, 28 January.

He said: "A grade-separated junction at Laurencekirk has been a long-standing commitment of the Scottish Government. We have been working hard with the two local authorities and Nestrans to deliver this much-needed scheme for the people of the north east as soon as possible.

"This significant funding boost for the scheme is a major step forward and we will now take forward the design work. There is still a lot of development work to be carried out and we will continue to work together with our partners to deliver this scheme as soon as possible bringing improved road safety and economic benefits to road users and the local community in Laurencekirk and the north Angus area."

The announcement is part of an extra £254 million boost revealed by the Scottish Government in tandem with the Aberdeen City Deal.

(LM/MH)