DMRB Assessment Process

Transport Scotland uses a three-stage assessment process to determine the preferred route for trunk road improvement projects. This is based on the Design Manual for Roads and Bridges (DMRB).

  • DMRB Stage 1 - Improvement Strategy Assessment - Stage complete
  • DMRB Stage 2 - Route Option Assessment – Stage in progress
  • DMRB Stage 3 - Development and assessment of preferred option
  • Statutory Process - Publication of draft Road Orders, Compulsory Purchase Order (CPO), Environmental Impact Assessment Report, and Public Local Inquiry (if required)
  • Procurement - Tender process to appoint works contractor
  • Construction

This process involves:

  • Survey work (including Environmental, Ecological, Geotechnical, Geodetic and Traffic)
  • Consultations with specific bodies
  • Development and assessment of route options to consider engineering, environment, traffic and economic factors
  • Public and stakeholder engagement

We developed and assessed broad improvement strategies as part of the DMRB Stage 1 assessment. To inform this assessment stage, we used previously completed strategic assessment work and carried out broad engineering, environmental, traffic and economic assessments of the impacts and opportunities of each improvement strategy. This stage has now been completed and the findings are in the DMRB Stage 1 Assessment Report which is available for you to view at today’s event and on Transport Scotland’s website.

The work being taken forward (DMRB Stage 2) covers the development and assessment of route options within the broadly defined improvement strategies which were progressed from DMRB Stage 1. This will include more detailed engineering, environmental, traffic and economic assessments of the potential impacts and opportunities of each route option.

We will use all feedback we receive to help inform, develop, refine and assess the route options. The next stage will include more detailed consideration of junction layouts, access to properties, laybys, and facilities for pedestrians, cyclists and horse riders.

We will continue to engage with landowners, local communities and the public as we develop the route options for the DMRB Stage 2 Assessment. This will help identify the preferred route option for the scheme.