Description of local environment

Air quality

The works are located within a rural setting, surrounded by areas of agricultural land with small areas of residential and managed woodland.

There are approximately 23 residential properties within 300m of the works, with the closest property (The Old Toll House) located approximately 20m southwest of the works adjacent to the A96 on Inchberry Road.

The Average Annual Daily Flow (AADF) in 2022 for the main A96 carriageway just outside the scheme extents (site no. 50782), accounted for 12,503 vehicles, with an average of 6.2% Heavy Goods Vehicles (HGV).

The Baxter’s food group Ltd is located approximately 450m northwest of the bridge and is registered on the Scottish Pollutant Release Inventory (SPRI) as a site with Animal and vegetable products from the food and beverage sector. No other SPRIs have been identified within 1km of the works.

Moray Council has not declared any Air Quality Management Area (AQMAs).

No other sensitive receptors have been identified within 300m of the works.

Cultural heritage

A desktop study using PastMap has identified two designated features of cultural or historical significance within 200m of the works location. The details of these are as follows:

  • (Old) Spey Bridge (Ref- LB15645) Category A listed structure located approximately 30m south of the works; and
  • Spey Bridge, Old Toll House (Ref- LB15646) Category B listed building located approximately 20m southwest of the works.

The following non-designated features of cultural heritage have been identified within 100m of the works:

  • New Spey Bridge (Ref- NJ35NW0183) Historic Environment Record (HER) which is the structure on which the works are taking place; and
  • Fochabers Bridge (Ref- NJ35NW0012) HER which is located 30m south of the works. This HER is an Iron bridge crossing the River Spey (also known as the Old Spey Bridge), which forms the boundary between Bellie and Speymouth parishes.

All works will be located within the existing carriageway boundary and will not have any permanent impacts any areas of land that have not previously been subjected to engineering activity.

It has been determined that the proposed scheme does not carry the potential to cause direct or indirect impact to cultural heritage as the works will be like for like and maintain the existing structure which is a HER. As such, impact has been assessed as being ‘no change’ and cultural heritage has therefore been scoped out of further assessment.

Landscape and visual effects

A desktop study using NatureScot Sitelink and PastMap online interactive map has not highlighted any areas designated for landscape character within 300m of the works.

The Scottish Landscape Character Type (LCT) Map notes the scheme is located within coastal farmlands.

Historic Environment Scotland’s Historic Land Assessment (HLA) Map has highlighted the surrounding historic land use to comprise of urban, managed woodland and fields and farmland.

There are no Tree Preservation Orders (TPOs) within the scheme extents.

Visual receptors of the works lnclude:

  • Users of the A96 carriageway; and
  • Residential properties 3-8 on Inchberry place.

The works will be restricted to the existing carriageway boundary and bridge structure and will not impact upon the surrounding landscape. Views from surrounding receptors will be temporarily impacted during construction due to the presence of works, TM and plant.

As the works are operating on a like-for-like basis and will not cause lasting visual change or alter the landscape of the surrounding area , no permanent changes to landscape features are determined.

As such, impact to local landscape and visual effects has been assessed as being ‘no change’ and has been scoped out of requiring further assessment.

Biodiversity

A desktop study has been undertaken using SiteLink and has identified the River Spey Special Area of Conservation (SAC). The River flows from its source in the Monadhliath Mountains, through the Cairngorms National Park and out into the Moray Firth and flows directly beneath the bridge structure where the works are taking place. Due to the works taking place above and over this SAC, a Habitats Regulations Appraisal (HRA) has been undertaken. The HRA also covers all designated sites mentioned below.

SiteLink has also identified the lower River Spey- Spey Bay SAC. This designated site is located approximately 5km north of the works but is hydrologically connected to the River Spey SAC.

SiteLink has also identified the Moray and Nairn Coast Special Protection Area (SPA). Moray and Nairn Coast SPA comprises the Culbin Bars, Findhorn Bay and Spey Bay which, together, form the easternmost estuarine component of the Moray Basin ecosystem. This designated site is located approximately 450m northeast of the works.

SiteLink has also identified the Moray and Nairn Coast RAMSAR. This designated site is located approximately 450m northeast of the works.

Amey’s Environmental Database notes one case of Japanese knotweed (Reynoutria japonica) in the verge of the A96 carriageway at the southern scheme extent.

There are no Tree Preservation Orders (TPOs) within the scheme extents.

Scotland’s Environment Map has not identified any Ancient Woodland Inventory Scotland (AWIS) within the scheme extents however an area of ancient woodland (Site-56, Wood ID-8601, Bellie Wood) is located approximately 30m northeast of the works.

Scotland’s Environment Map has not identified any Local or National Nature Reserves within 200m of the scheme.

An ecological walkover survey was undertaken on 10th March 2025 to identify any habitats or species constraints or opportunities.

Broadleaved plantation woodland (UKHab code: w1g) is located surrounding the bridge. Ancient woodland (wood ID: 8,601), is located directly parallel from bridge works on the eastern side of the A96. The species composition of these woodlands are similar, comprising of holly (Ilex aquifolium), ferns, beech (Fagus sylvatica), birch (Betula pendula), bramble (Rubus fruticosus), ash (Fraxinus excelsior), gorse (Ulex europaeus), broom (Cytisus scoparius), and oak sp (Quercus).

No INNS were recorded on NBN Atlas. However, INNS were found within the scheme extents:

  • Montbretia (Crocosmia) found within the southeastern section of woodland at NGR NJ 34101 59421.
  • Himalayan balsam (Impatiens glandulifera) was found within the southern section of woodlands from NGR NJ 34079 59439 to NJ 34059 59423.
  • White butterbur (Petasites albus) was found within scheme extents in the southern section of woodlands from NGR NJ 34079 59439 to NJ 34059 59423.
  • Giant hogweed (Heracleum mantegazzianum) was found within the northeastern section of woodland at NGR NJ 34022 59508.

There are over 100 records of birds within 2km of the scheme extents. Habitats which provide suitable nesting habitat for common species of birds were recorded within scheme extent, within the scrub and woodlands.

Amey, as part of the Network Management Contract with Transport Scotland, is contractually obliged to create a management plan for various target species. The species within this category, found on site was rosebay willowherb (Chamaenerion angustifolium).

Geology and soils

The National Soil Map of Scotland has identified the local soil type as alluvial soils.

A desktop study using NatureScot’s Sitelink has not identified any geological sensitive sites within 1km of the scheme extents.

A desktop study using the British Geological Survey Map identifies the local geology types as the following:

  • Bedrock geology: Fochabers Sandstone Formation - Sandstone with subordinate conglomerate, siltstone and mudstone. Sedimentary bedrock formed between 393.3 and 382.7 million years ago during the Devonian period.
  • Superficial deposits: Alluvium - Clay, silt, sand and gravel. Sedimentary superficial deposit formed between 11.8 thousand years ago and the present during the Quaternary period.

The Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) Water Classification Map notes the groundwater in the area (ID: 150804, Spey Coastal) is considered to be in good condition.

There are no landfill sites within 2km of the scheme extents.

As a result of the works taking place strictly within the existing man-made footprint, it has been determined that the proposed scheme does not carry the potential to cause direct or indirect impact to geology or soils. As such, impact has been assessed as being ‘no change’ and has been scoped out of requiring further assessment.

Material assets and waste

Key materials required for site construction

Materials required

  • Bituminous surfacing materials (TS2010, EME2 binder/base);
  • Thermoplastic road markings;
  • Concrete;
  • Paint;
  • Iron milled in road stud shoes, thermoplastic reflective inserts;
  • Lubricant;
  • Vehicle fuel;
  • Oil;
  • Kerbing;
  • BEJ material;
  • Metal joint ; and
  • Nosing mortar

Origin/Content

A proportion of reclaimed asphalt pavement (RAP) is used in asphalt production. Typical RAP values for base and binder are 10% -15% with up to 10% in surface course.

TS2010 surface course allows a wider array of aggregate sources to be considered when compared to typical stone mastic asphalt (SMA). As a result the use of TS2010 will reduce the usage of imported aggregates and increase the use of a wider range of sustainable aggregate sources.

New metal components will contain a percentage of recycled content, with exact percentages dependent on supplier.

A concrete mix using cement replacement products is proposed.

Road studs will be obtained from recycled sources where possible.

Road paint will be obtained from primary sources.

Key waste arising from site construction

Waste arising

  • Road planings;
  • Road studs;
  • Waste Water from Hydro-demolition;
  • Road kerbs; and
  • Old BEJ material

Disposal/Regulation

On-site investigations of the carriageway (including coring and testing) have not yet been undertaken.

Any tar-contaminated planings will require removal off site for treatment/disposal at a licenced waste facility.

All hydro-demolition wastewater will be filtered and treated before being disposed of at a licenced facility.

Any road planings not contaminated with coal tar generated as a result of the works will be recovered in accordance with the criteria stipulated within SEPA document ‘Guidance on the Production of Fully Recoverable Asphalt Road Planings’.

Road studs will be recycled and reused where possible.

All special waste will be transported by a licenced contractor to a licenced waste facility.

Noise and vibration

The works are located within the rural setting of Fochabers North East Scotland, surrounded by areas of agricultural land use with small areas of residential and managed woodland.

The AADF in 2022 for the main A96 carriageway just outside the scheme extents (site no. 50782), accounted for 12,503 vehicles, with an average of 6.2% HGV. Baseline noise conditions at this location are likely influenced primarily by traffic travelling along the A96. Noise Map Scotland does not hold any data for this area.

There are approximately 23 residential properties within 300m of the works, with the closest property (The Old Toll House) located approximately 20m southwest of the works. These residential properties are classified as Noise Sensitive Receptors (NSRs).

No other NSRs are located within 300m of the works.

The works do not fall within a Candidate Noise Management Area (CNMA) as defined by the Transportation Noise Action Plan, Road Maps.

Population and human health

Due to the nature of the works and all works restricted to the bridge structure, the study area for Population and Human Health has been reduced to 300m.

There are approximately 23 residential properties within 300m of the works, with the closest property (The Old Toll House) located approximately 20m southwest of the works.

A pedestrian footway is located on both sides of the bridge structure where the works are taking place.

There are no core paths within the scheme extents however Core path CP-FB08 is located on the Old Spey Bridge approximately 30m south of the works. This core path is also used as a cycleway.

The Speyside way pedestrian footway is located approximately 20m southeast of the works on the bridge.

Baxter’s Food Group is located approximately 450m NW of the works.

There is no access to residential properties or the local road network within the scheme extents.

There are no laybys within the scheme extents.

There is streetlighting which runs along the westbound side of the carriageway for the full scheme extents.

Road drainage and the water environment

A desktop study using SEPA’s Water Classification Hub has identified the River Spey, A river (ID: 23065), located directly beneath the works. SEPA has classified this waterbody as having an overall status of ‘Good Ecological Potential’.

No other watercourses have been identified within 500m of the works.

The SEPA Water Classification Map notes the groundwater in the area (ID: 150804, Spey Coastal) is considered to be in good condition.

Road drainage for the scheme is utilised in the form of top entry gullies.

The scheme is not located within a Nitrate Vulnerable Zone.

SEPA’s Flood Map has not identified any areas of flooding on the A96 carriageway within the scheme extents but the River Spey below is at high risk (10% chance) of flooding each year.

Climate

Carbon Goals

The Climate Change (Scotland) Act sets out the target and vision set by the Scottish Government for tackling and responding to climate change. The Act includes a target of reducing CO2 emissions by 80% before 2050 (from the baseline year 1990). 

The Scottish Government has since published its indicative Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) to set out how it will instead reach net-zero by 2045, working to reduce emissions of all major greenhouse gases by at least 75% by 2030. By 2040, the Scottish Government is committed to reduce emissions by 90%, with the aim of reaching net-zero by 2045 at the latest. 

Transport Scotland is committed to reducing carbon across Scotland’s transport network, this commitment is being enacted through the Mission Zero for Transport. Transport is the largest contributor to harmful climate emissions in Scotland. In response to the climate emergency, TS are committed to reducing their emissions by 75% by 2030 and to a legally binding target of net-zero by 2045. 

Amey’s Company Wide Carbon Goal is to achieve Scope 1 and 2 net-zero carbon emissions, with a minimum of 80% absolute reduction on our emissions by 2035. Amey is aiming to be fully net-zero, including Scope 3 emissions, by 2040. 

Amey are working towards a contractual commitment to have carbon neutral depots on the NE NMC network by 2028. Amey have set carbon goals for the NE NMC contract as a whole to be net-zero carbon by 2032. 

Policies and Plans

This Record of Determination (RoD) has been undertaken in accordance with Roads (Scotland) Act 1984 (Environmental Impact Assessment) Regulations 2017 (RSA EIA Regulations) along with Transport Scotland’s Environmental Impact Assessment Guidance (Guidance – Environmental Impact Assessments for road projects (transport.gov.scot)). Relevant guidance, policies and plans accompanied with the Design Manual for Roads and Bridges (Design Manual for Roads and Bridges (DMRB)) LA 102 were used to inform this assessment.