Question reference: S5W-05287
- Asked by: Mairi Gougeon, MSP for Angus North and Mearns, Scottish National Party
- Date lodged: 1 December 2016
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Current status: Answered by Humza Yousaf on 16 December 2016
Question
To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S5O-00420 by Humza Yousaf on 1 December 2016 (Official Report, c. 8), what processes will be required to deliver the grade separated junction at Laurencekirk, and what the timescales of these will be.
Answer
Transport Scotland is currently taking forward the options assessment process with a preferred option expected to be identified in 2018. This will be followed by the development and assessment of the preferred junction option leading to publication of draft Orders in 2019 for formal comment.
Progress thereafter is dependent on the level and nature of representation received in response to the published draft Orders. If objections are received and are unable to be resolved an approach may be required to the Planning and Environmental Appeals Division to appoint an independent Reporter to conduct a Public Local Inquiry. Following Inquiry and consideration of the Reporter’s recommendations the Scottish Minister’s would thereafter decide whether the Scheme should proceed.