Ground investigations start next week for A96 Dualling Hardmuir to Fochabers scheme

Work to begin on Monday 27 January 2020 and is expected to take two months to complete, subject to weather conditions.

These investigations will confirm key ground information needed as we continue to take forward the detailed development and assessment of the preferred option for the scheme.

Although most of the work will be carried out away from the trunk road and adjacent side roads, a small amount of the work will require traffic management measures to allow for safe access on and adjacent to the carriageway. Where this is the case short term traffic control measures will be required, but the contractor will monitor traffic and take any necessary steps to adjust or remove traffic management and ensure delays are kept to a minimum.

A Transport Scotland spokesman said:

“The Scottish Government is committed to dualling the A96 between Inverness and Aberdeen, underlining its commitment to connecting Scotland’s cities with a high quality transport system that will generate sustainable economic growth.

“Having announced the preferred option in December 2018 for the 28 mile section between Hardmuir and Fochabers, we let the public see key design developments and active travel proposals at engagement events last October.

“We are taking forward the development of the preferred option design and these ground investigations will provide important information needed to progress that work.

“When completed, the scheme will provide better transport connections in Moray and to the wider transport network, bring relief to communities currently affected by through traffic and save over 20 minutes for road users travelling between Hardmuir and Fochabers.

“We apologise for any inconvenience these ground works may cause and would thank road users and local communities in advance for their patience. The contractor will closely monitor the operation of the traffic management measures to ensure that any delays are kept to a minimum.

“We would ask drivers to plan their journeys in advance using the Traffic Scotland website, Twitter feed or radio.”