Transport bosses have been urged to take action and build a long-awaited flyover over one of the north-east’s busiest roads.
After years of campaigning, the Scottish Government agreed to build a £24million route over the A90 Aberdeen to Dundee road at Laurencekirk.
But north-east MSP Liam Kerr has accused transport chiefs of stalling over the project despite carrying out other safety measures on the road.
His comments came after Aberdeenshire Council’s Kincardine and Mearns area committee rejected plans for 247 homes in the town.
The committee cited several reasons for its decision, including concerns over the impact of the increased population in the area on infrastructure.
Mr Kerr said: “Laurencekirk’s star is on the rise at the moment, as more and more people are looking for a new life in a prosperous area, with all the benefits of living next to one of Scotland’s main arteries.
“However, that attraction brings with it the danger of having more vehicles on the road, as well as a possible increase in congestion away from the A90 and A92.
“The addition of a 50mph zone around the historically dangerous south junction with the A90 seems to be helping change driver behaviour on this section of road.
“But the Scottish Government has not committed to a date for construction starting on the grade-separated junction there, which has been the focus of local campaigners for well over a decade.
“It seems Humza Yousaf is content to introduce average speed cameras between Stonehaven and Dundee in the hope that will reduce the number of accidents.”
However the Scottish Government has said vital preparatory work is under way which has to be carried out before the junction can be built.
A Scottish Government spokesman said: “Design work on this important upgrade continues apace. We expect to consult shortly on the emerging options and we then anticipate being able to identify a preferred option next year.
“Throughout the process we will ensure that communities, businesses and individuals affected by the work are kept fully informed and their vital feedback taken into account.”