Nestrans, alongside Aberdeenshire Council and Aberdeen City Council, are carrying out a study into options to improve opportunities for walking, wheeling and cycle and public transport use (bus and rail) for trips along the strategic transport corridor between Aberdeen and Laurencekirk. 

Previous study stages have focussed on understanding transport problems facing communities on the corridor, including barriers to using sustainable travel modes. A long list of travel improvement options was then developed and sifting was undertaken to identify a short list of options that would best support strategic sustainable transport connections. You can view previous Aberdeen to Laurencekirk study documents here.

A detailed assessment of the option short list is now being undertaken and a further consultation took place from 24th September - 29 October 2024 which asked those who use the route for their views on the options in order to inform the assessment. Consultation drop-in events were held in Cove and Newtonhill in October.

The options for public feedback included:

• active travel infrastructure to connect communities along the corridor from Stonehaven to Aberdeen
• a mobility hub facility to the south of Aberdeen
• bus priority measures on approach to Aberdeen, providing a foundation for Aberdeen Rapid Transit
• creation of a new rail station in Cove
• creation of a new rail station in Newtonhill.

Consultation results will be analysed and used to inform the public acceptability assessment of the option packages within the Detailed Options Appraisal Report.

A Detailed Options Appraisal Report will be presented to the Nestrans board and we will update our website to share the full details.