‘Preferred’ route for A96 bypass will go north of Forres

The preferred option for the new A96 route goes north of Forres, it has been revealed.

Details of the section to be dualled between Hardmuir and Fochabers went on public display today and locals are encouraged to come along to the Town Hall in Forres on Friday and give their views on plans for this 28-mile section of the road. or at any of the four public exhibitions to be held along the route.

The preferred option goes north of Forres, south of Elgin and north of Fochabers and includes seven grade-separated junctions, new crossings of the Rivers Findhorn, Lossie and Spey and five crossings over the Aberdeen-to-Inverness railway line.

The preferred route of the new A96 dual carriageway goes north of Forres. (Click to expand)

Cabinet Secretary for Transport, Infrastructure and Connectivity Michael Matheson said: “We are continuing to progress our ambitious plans to dual the A96 between Inverness and Aberdeen by 2030, delivering around 88 miles of upgraded road.

“As part of that programme, we have been taking forward the route option assessment work for dualling the 28-mile section between Hardmuir and Fochabers and we are now able to let the public see the preferred option for this scheme.

The preferred route follows the orange line north of the town
The preferred route follows the orange line north of the town

“Following detailed assessment work and consideration of feedback received throughout the design development process, we have identified a route that goes north of Forres, south of Elgin and north of Fochabers.

“The preferred option 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 are keen to let locals and road users have their say on our proposals and I would encourage anyone interested in our plans to come along to one of the exhibitions this week and offer any comments.

“As we develop the preferred option in greater detail, individuals, communities and businesses affected by the work will be kept fully informed and their vital feedback taken into account.”

Richard Lochhead MSP met with Transport Scotland this morning for a briefing on the preferred route for the dualling of the A96 between Hardmuir and Fochabers.

Major milestone

He is encouraging residents to share their views on the proposed route with Transport Scotland.

Commenting Mr Lochhead said: “The announcement of the preferred route for the dualling of the A96 between Hardmuir and Fochabers is a major milestone in what is a huge project that will benefit the Moray economy. 

“The preferred route which goes north of Forres, south of Elgin and north of Fochabers, is now publicly available for further consultation with the public and those who may be affected to look at how it can be refined as part of the design process over the next two years in order to try to minimise local impact.

“I would urge constituents to visit the exhibitions and to share their views with Transport Scotland before the end of January to ensure that we get the best result for our local communities.”

Details of public exhibitions:

  • Tuesday 4th December 2018 – 12 noon – 7 pm
    The Mansefield Hotel, Mayne Road, Elgin, IV30 1NY
     
  • Wednesday 5th December 2018 – 12 noon – 7 pm
    The Mansefield Hotel, Mayne Road, Elgin, IV30 1NY
     
  • Thursday 6th December 2018 – 12 noon – 6 pm
    Speymouth Hall, Stynie Road, Mosstodloch, IV32 7JN
     
  • Friday 7th December 2018 – 12 noon – 7 pm
    Forres Town Hall, High St, Forres, IV36 1PB

See more at: http://www.transport.gov.scot/publication/design-update-a96-dualling-hardmuir-to-fochabers/

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