An MEP has claimed that European funding could potentially be used to upgrade the A90 between Ellon and Fraserburgh to dual carriageway.
Conservative Ian Duncan said the position was spelt out at a meeting he had with Professor Péter Balázs, co-ordinator in charge of the TEN-T Connecting Europe programme.
The MEP said there had been concern that funding was only available as far north as Edinburgh but Prof Balázs clarified that although the north-east was not part of the priority corridor, applications would be considered if they met a set criteria.
Although work is underway to build the Aberdeen bypass and dual the A90 between Balmedie and Tipperty, campaigners claim more road improvements further north were needed.
The upgrade of the trunk road is seen as crucial to the economic development of the far corner of the north-east, particularly the 30-mile Energetica corridor of sustainable energy and engineering companies.
Transport Minister Derek Mackay has previously said there were “no plans” to dual the A90 between Ellon and Peterhead and Fraserburgh.
Mr Duncan said: “Prof Balázs has been to Scotland recently and understands the strategic importance of the north-east, especially transport links.
“As Europe moves towards an energy union, getting the North Sea connected to a European energy grid will be absolutely vital.
“While funding cannot be guaranteed, the remarks from Prof Balázs are a step in the right direction.”
Mr Duncan said he hoped to discuss the issue with the UK and Scottish governments which would be driving forward any funding application and provide co-financing.
Aberdeenshire councilor Gillian Owen said the news was a “tremendous boost” for the Why Stop at Ellon’ campaign.
Welcoming the news, north-east Tory MSP Nanette Milne said: “The Scottish Government have been dragging their feet on plans to upgrade the A90 north of Ellon for too long.
“I hope this presents an opportunity to secure the funding required to deliver what local people want and which is long overdue.”