A new consultation will ask those who live and travel along the Aberdeen to Laurencekirk corridor for their input into options for improving walking, wheeling, cycling and public transport along the route.
Launching today (Tuesday, September 24), a five-week consultation will ask locals and those who travel along the Aberdeen to Laurencekirk corridor for their views on different ways to boost sustainable travel.
Nestrans, working with Aberdeen City Council and Aberdeenshire Council, have launched the consultation as part of the continuing Aberdeen to Laurencekirk Multi Modal Corridor Study.
Earlier phases of the study have concentrated on listening to the transport challenges faced by those who travel along the route.
With future growth anticipated along the corridor, including at Chapelton, and existing issues with public transport, residents have already voiced a strong interest in potential new rail stations, if served by a frequent and reliable service.Interest was also expressed in improvements to existing bus services.
Earlier feedback also highlighted safety concerns over cycling. There was a desire to improve routes for those walking, wheeling and cycling, boosting local communities by promoting healthier lifestyles and reducing road traffic.
With an understanding of the complex range of issues highlighted by feedback, an extensive list of options was created. This was then shortlisted to select options which would most effectively promote strategic sustainable transport connections.
The options now seeking public feedback include:
- active travel infrastructure to connect communities along the corridor from Stonehaven to Aberdeen
- a mobility hub facility to the south of Aberdeen
- bus priority measures on approach to Aberdeen, providing a foundation for Aberdeen Rapid Transit
- creation of a new rail station in Cove
- creation of a new rail station in Newtonhill.
The new rail stations would be expected to be served by a local rail service, running between Montrose and Inverurie. Each station would provide enhanced access to Aberdeen for a range of work, social and recreational purposes as well as providing access to other regional stations, such as Dyce.
A new mobility hub at Portlethen and bus priority measures south of Aberdeen would be key enablers to a successful Aberdeen Rapid Transit system as well as boosting the reliability and frequency of existing local bus services. The mobility hub would allow those without access to a direct bus or train service to park for free outwith the city centre and complete their journey by sustainable modes.
There are various active travel options for connecting areas along the route, including a continuous shared-used path from Stonehaven to Aberdeen alongside the A92, or a mix of other measures supporting short distance trips and connecting communities along the way with shared use paths or quiet routes.
The five packages are not meant to compete with one another; instead, Nestrans is exploring which combination of these would work together effectively to enhance all sustainable travel along the corridor.
The study is undertaken on behalf of Nestrans by consultants AECOM, and currently funded by Nestrans. Earlier stages of work have been supported by Transport Scotland’s Bus Partnership Fund, and their Local Rail Development Fund.
Chair of Nestrans, Councillor Alan Turner said: “The public has been very engaged with this study from the outset. The earlier consultation, which had over 1000 people sharing their views with us, helped us to generate and select these five options. We look forward to hearing from communities again to help us progress to selecting a preferred package of measures”.
An online survey will be open for five weeks from Tuesday, September 24 until 5pm, Tuesday, October 29, 2024. Public drop-in events will also be held in Cove and Newtonhill in early October:
- Wednesday, October 9, 4pm – 8pm, The Aberdeen Altens Hotel, Souter Head Rd, Cove Bay, Aberdeen AB12 3LF
- Thursday, October 10, 3:30pm – 7:30pm, Bettridge Centre, Greystone Place, Newtonhill, Stonehaven AB39 3UL