Following significant consultation with local landowners and residents among others, Angus Council's Infrastructure Services on Tuesday 21 April agreed to do detailed design work on two of the route options.
The designs will then be the subject of further consultation with local people, the police and other statutory consultees before any decision on the final route is taken.
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In advance of the upgrading works starting the council also agreed to review the signage at the stretch of the route known as Big Tree Bends, to see if anything further can be done to advise motorists to take due care.
The committee rejected the notion of applying a 50mph speed limit to that localized stretch as it would be contrary to the relevant guidance for rural roads.
Speaking after the committee convener David May said: "The two options for the route [option 2 and 3] now need to be developed to the stage where we can carry out a final consultation with all the detailed design work available.
"It is understandable that local people prefer the option that completely bypasses their properties [option 3] but we need to explore both of the options to consider fully the issues of land use and the environmental impact as well as the comparable cost."
Once the route plan has been agreed land negotiations can start and the tender for the work will be issued. Construction is expected to start next year.
(GK/JM)
