STRATEGIC ROADS

Nestrans champions the case for improvements to the strategic road network, which provides vital links not just for car drivers, but also for bus services and freight.

Nestrans is working with Transport Scotland to develop proposals for improving traffic flow at the Haudagain roundabout, a key pinchpoint on the network.  A study is currently underway to identify improvement options for the junction.  This is being conducted using Scottish Transport Appraisal Guidance (STAG) and is linked to the wider regeneration masterplan work for the surrounding Middlefield area.  Public consultation on options for improvement took place during July 2006 and a stage 1 report was produced in autumn 2006.  The second stage of the STAG process, which looks in more detail at the identified options is ongong and is expected to complete autumn 2007.

Work is also ongoing looking at options for improving access to Aberdeen from the south, including tackling the bottlenecks around the Bridge of Dee and the Wellington Road corridor, which is expected to be completed in autumn 2007.

In June 2005, the Executive committed to dualling the existing single-carriageway A90 between Balmedie and Tipperty, north of Aberdeen. This was based on a multi-modal appraisal commissioned at the request of Nestrans.

The trunk roads through the north east, the A90 and the A96, are managed and maintained by the Scottish Executive.  Ensuring these roads are maintained and improved to meet the needs of the north east is a key element of the MTS.  Other major routes in the Nestrans area are the responsibility of the 2 local authorities.