A96 Dualling Work Hits The Road

With work at a more advanced stage for the section between Inverness and Nairn, including a Nairn bypass, the initial engineering and strategic environmental assessment work from east of Nairn to Aberdeen is now complete, and a range of possible road improvement strategy options to be taken to the next stage of design will go on show from 11-21 May.

The programme for the next stage of design for east of Nairn to Aberdeen is also to be split into three sections (see above image), with design work for the first from east of Nairn to Fochabers to get under way early next year.

Infrastructure Secretary Keith Brown said:

“The Scottish Government has given a clear commitment to dual the A96 which will see delivery of around 86 miles of upgraded road between Inverness and Aberdeen. However, this huge job requires careful, in-depth planning and design so we deliver the right scheme and help tackle congestion, make journey times more reliable and, crucially, improve road safety for all along the route.

“With work on the 19-mile section between Inverness and Nairn, including Nairn bypass, at a more advanced stage and preferred route option already identified, initial engineering and environmental assessment work for the remaining 67 miles between Nairn and Aberdeen is now finished. We would like to give the public a chance to comment on the range of options to improve this section of the A96 which will be taken forward to the next stage of design.

“We are also able to publish a timetable for the next stage of design for east of Nairn to Aberdeen with more detailed work to begin early next year, and it has been recommended the A96 should have grade-separated junctions along its length where possible. Combined with our objective of promoting active travel and the inclusion of laybys along the length of the route, we are committed to making the new road safer and more accessible for road users and local communities.

“I would urge anyone with an interest in the A96 dualling to visit one of the exhibitions over the next two weeks or view the exhibition material online and provide their valuable feedback.”