Moray Council has vowed to ensure that the route chosen for the dualling of the A96 does not ignore the region’s best interests.
The huge project has been devised to improve journey times and increase road safety between Aberdeen and Inverness.
It took a significant step forward last week, when a contract worth up to £50million was awarded for route option assessment and detailed design work on the 29-mile stretch between Auldearn and Fochabers.
However, campaigners have warned that some of the options being considered for its route through Moray could hammer the area’s economy by bypassing Forres and Elgin.
In recent months, Moray Council has been criticised for failing to take a stand against some of the controversial options.
And Fochabers Lhanbryde councillor Douglas Ross warned that, unless the authority acts now then there is a risk that “radical plans” could be pushed through.
Mr Ross said: “There is now a greater need for the council to get involved and debate the routes that will best suit our communities and local people.
“If the council, Transport Scotland and the government work together, hopefully the best possible route can be agreed.
“But if any party steps back, there is a risk that more radical plans could be pushed through, to the detriment of the local area.”
Yesterday, Moray Council confirmed that – now the design contract has been awarded – the authority will work to ensure that planners prioritise Moray’s financial interests.
A spokesman said: “The council will now be engaging with Transport Scotland’s consultants at an early stage of their contract, and will be taking part in the process as a statutory consultee.”
The authority has also urged people to attend consultation events planned by contractors Mott MacDonald Sweco Joint Venture.
Meanwhile, Moray MSP Richard Lochhead has arranged to meet Transport Scotland’s chief executive in Edinburgh next week to outline residents’ concerns over certain routes.
Mr Lochhead said he was “absolutely determined” to ensure their issues are considered in any decisions made about the road’s path through Moray.
Mr Lochhead is encouraging people to contact him with so that he can flag their worries with Mr Brannen directly.
The Forres A96 Dualling Action Group has led local protests against one of the suggested routes, which they say “could leave Moray economically isolated”.