Plans for A96 Nairn Bypass set to go on public display

Local residents and road users will get the chance next week to see the proposals for dualling the A96 between Inverness and Nairn including the Nairn Bypass.

Following the publication of draft orders today confirming the line of the proposed route for formal comment, a series of public exhibitions will be held, starting in Nairn on 7 December 2016.

Cabinet Secretary for Economy, Jobs and Fair Work, Keith Brown said:

“The Scottish Government has given a clear commitment to dual the A96 between Inverness and Aberdeen by 2030 which will deliver around 86 miles of upgraded road between Scotland’s two northernmost cities.

“As part of our ambitious programme we have been progressing the design work for the Inverness to Nairn (including Nairn Bypass) scheme and we are now in a position to publish draft Orders for this scheme – a major milestone in delivering this much-needed improvement.

“Our proposals go on public display from 7-9 December and I would encourage everyone with an interest to visit one of the venues or view the information online. “At the same time we are now undertaking design work for the western section of the route between Hardmuir and Fochabers and hope to let people see our initial options for this section next summer.

“We are working hard to progress the dualling of the A96 which when completed will help tackle congestion, make journey times more reliable and, crucially, improve road safety.”

Notes
Draft Orders and Environmental Statement for the scheme were published on 29 November 2016 for formal comment.  Representations on the draft Orders and Environmental Statement can be made in writing up till 31 January 2017.

The exhibition material for the Inverness to Nairn (including Nairn Bypass) scheme will be available to view from noon 7 December 2016 at: http://www.transport.gov.scot/project/a96-inverness-nairn-including-nairn-bypass

Information on the wider A96 Dualling programme can be found at: http://www.transport.gov.scot/project/a96-dualling-inverness-aberdeen

Details of the public exhibitions:

Wed 7th Dec: 12 noon -7pm
The Newton Hotel & Highland Conference Centre, Inverness Road, Nairn, IV12 4RX

Thu 8th Dec:  12 noon -7pm
Nairn Community & Arts Centre, King St, Nairn, IV12 4BQ

Fri 9th Dec: 12 noon -7pm
Culloden-Balloch Baptist Church, Wellside Road, Balloch, Inverness, IV2 7GS