A96 dualling options on show
Options that include the existing A96 Inverurie Bypass and the offline southern route between east of Huntly and Blackburn, which passes through the Bennachie Special Landscape Area, are amongst the options that have been removed following initial design and assessment work and also drawing on the feedback received to date.
Starting today in Inverurie, local communities and road users will get the chance to see and comment on the options being taken forward for further design as we look to identify a preferred route option in 2019.
Cabinet Secretary for Transport, Infrastructure and Connectivity Michael Matheson said:
"The Scottish Government has given a clear commitment to dual the A96 which will see delivery of around 88 miles of upgraded road between Inverness and Aberdeen, a huge task but one we are committed to delivering.
"As part of that work, we are taking forward the design work for the 26 mile stretch of the route between east of Huntly and Aberdeen and now we are able to let people see the initial options we have developed for this challenging section of the A96.
"A number of options have been deselected at this stage as a result of existing topography, engineering complexity and environmental impact. This includes those near Bennachie and those through Inverurie on the existing A96.
"I would encourage anyone with an interest in this scheme to visit one of the exhibitions from 8-11 October and give us their views. The vital feedback we receive will help inform the design and assessment work as we look to identify a preferred route option next year."
Details of the public exhibitions:
Inverurie Town Hall, Market Place, Inverurie AB51 3SN
Inverurie Town Hall, Market Place, Inverurie AB51 3SN
Stewarts Hall, 15-17 Gordon Street, Huntly, AB54 8AJ
Kinellar Community Hall, Fintray Road, Blackburn, Aberdeenshire AB21 0JQ
All exhibitions run from 12:00 noon until 7:00pm