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This item was published during the term of a previous administration that ended in April 2007

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Improving safety on A90 road

13/05/2005

Work to introduce safety measures on the A90 at the Laurencekirk/Marykirk junction will start on Monday, May 16, 2005.

Following a number of accidents at the junction, the Executive commissioned trunk road operators BEAR Scotland to identify measures that would address the safety issues.

Those measures have been agreed and work on the road will now start. This work will be carried out over two phases.

The first phase, starting on Monday, will introduce:

  • The installation of safety cameras
  • The extension of the high friction surfacing
  • Renewal and relocation of the direction signs to Marykirk to assist visibility
  • Installation of verge markers
  • Renewal of lining
  • The clearance of vegetation

Phase two, in June/July, will see the introduction of advance warning signs and 50 mph speed limit over a length of the A90 on both directions prior to the junction.

Transport Minister Nicol Stephen said:

"I am pleased today to confirm that the work to improve safety at the Laurencekirk junction will start next week. Road safety will always be a top priority for the Executive, and I can now reassure local people that we have both listened, and acted.

"The key change will be the introduction of a new 50 mph speed limit, with safety cameras to enforce it. But the additional measures will also help to reduce speeds, and make motorists more aware of the need for safety.

"While I believe these short term measures will be welcomed by local people, I have also given a commitment to look at the longer term solution of a grade separated junction. In the meantime, these immediate measures are aimed at substantially reducing the risk of further serious accidents at this junction."

The introduction of advance warning signs and 50 mph speed limit will be over a length of 1.12 kilometres and 0.73 kilometres over the northbound and southbound carriageways respectively.

The implementation of the speed limit is subject to the satisfactory completion of the statutory procedures and is expected to be in place by July at the latest.

Page updated: Friday, May 13, 2005