Nestrans has commissioned a strategic transport study for the fraserburgh and peterhead to aberdeen corridor.
In November 2014 Nestrans, the North East Scotland regional transport partnership, appointed a collaboration of three companies, SIAS, Peter Brett Associates and Natural Capital, to undertake the Fraserburgh and Peterhead to Aberdeen Strategic Transport Study. The purpose of the study is to identify and examine the options for improving strategic transport connections between Fraserburgh, Peterhead and Aberdeen incorporating the Energetica corridor and will cover all modes of transport including rail, bus, road and active travel connections.
Funding was provided by Nestrans and Transport Scotland. The study is being overseen by a client group consisting of Nestrans, Transport Scotland, Aberdeen City and Aberdeenshire councils and is being undertaken in line with Scottish Transport Appraisal Guidance (STAG). It will include consultation with stakeholders, businesses and communities; development and consideration of the objectives for the corridor; and consideration of options across all modes for achieving the objectives set.
The STAG Part 1 appraisal was reported to Nestrans Board in April 2016, following which further consultations were held with bus and rail operators, local authorities and Transport Scotland.
In September 2016, the Nestrans Board agreed to undertake further assessment on the costs and benefits and to develop further the main options, including reopening the former railway line between Dyce and Ellon (including consideration of the feasibility of a “Parkway” railhead adjacent to the A90 beyond Ellon) and a roads option with an indicative package containing sections of dualling, junction improvements and safety enhancements on the corridor.
On completion of this work, the outcomes will be considered with an aim to agreeing the options to progress to STAG part 2 appraisal.