Transport Scotland has sought to reassure Newtonhill residents that work at the Newtonhill flyover will not result in the loss of express bus services.

Community councillors were concerned that alterations at the flyover for the new Chapelton of Elsick development would result in nowhere for direct Stonehaven-Aberdeen bus services to stop. The two existing stops on the A90 are to be removed for safety reasons.

Now Transport Scotland officials have told community council secretary Edith Stephen and North East MSP Alison McInnes that the proposals “will not result in the loss of the express bus service.”

A local interchange facility – a park and choose – will be established and will be directly served by existing express services along the A90 and the No 7 service serving Newtonhill.

Strategic road safety manager Stuart Wilson said the change in the location of the bus stops “would not appear to be too onerous, i.e. less than 200 metres.”

Local councillor Ian Mollison – who had also contacted Transport Scotland – commented: “The new location may be better than the current situation which sees a number of people run across the dual carriageway to catch northbound buses, rather than go over the flyover.”

Mr Wilson also said that the interchange will include car parking and a free connecting minibus which will go into Newtonhill village centre. In the other direction the bus will head to Chapelton of Elsick.

The community council had also called for deceleration lanes at Cammachmore, however this was ruled out by Transport Scotland as their records “do not indicate any reported personal injury accidents in the last three years involving left-turning vehicles.”

Mr Wilson revealed that bollards will be installed on the A90 verge opposite Tesco to prevent vehicles mounting the kerb at the southbound bus stop.

He also added that work is being progressed for a temporary footpath at the Bridge of Muchalls bend where the winter storms caused the embankment to slip. A permanent repair is at the design stage.

Mrs McInnes commented: “Transport Scotland is undertaking a heavy schedule of work on the A90 this summer, which is most welcome as it is a vital artery for the North East.”