Inverness link road plans revealed on public display

Plans for a new single carriageway in the Highland capital go on public display today.

Following the publication of draft Orders for the two mile long A9/A96 Inshes to Smithton scheme earlier this month, local communities and road users will get a chance to see the plans at public exhibitions in Inverness today and tomorrow.

Cabinet Secretary for Transport, Infrastructure and Connectivity Michael Matheson said:

“As part of the Scottish Government’s commitment within the £315 million Inverness and Highland City-Region Deal, we are progressing our plans for a single carriageway road connecting Inshes and Smithton in the Highland capital.

“Having published draft Orders for this scheme earlier this month, we are now able to let the public see our plans.

“The scheme will improve the road network between the A9 and A96. It will include two new structures – one crossing the A9 and one over the Highland Main Line railway in addition to improvements on the A9. Facilities for non-motorised users are an integral feature of the scheme, with around four and a half miles of a shared use path suitable for pedestrians and cyclists incorporated into the design.

“When completed the scheme will improve the road network in the area both for motorists making long distance trips and also local journeys. It will provide traffic relief at the busy Raigmore Interchange and also improve journey times on the local road network, complementing local road improvement proposals being taken forward by The Highland Council.

“I would encourage anyone with an interest to attend the exhibitions today or tomorrow or view the exhibition material on the Transport Scotland website.”

Details of the public exhibitions:

Wednesday 25 September 2019, 12noon – 7pm, Raigmore Community Centre, 125 Ashton Rd, Inverness, IV2 3UY

Thursday 26 September 2019, 12noon – 7pm, Smithton Church, 1 Murray Rd, Smithton, Inverness, IV2 7YU

The exhibition material is available to view at: A9/A96 Inshes to Smithton

https://www.transport.gov.scot/projects/a9a96-inshes-to-smithton/