Route plans for A96 revealed

Preferred route options to dual the A96 between East of Huntly and Aberdeen has been revealed

Transport Scotland and the Scottish Government have launched a virtual exhibition showing what they believe is the most viable option for the busy route between the city and Inverness.

The preferred options consists of the Cyan route between East of Huntly and Colpy, the Pink Route option between Colpy and Pitcaple and the Orange route between Pitcaple and Kintore.

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, delivering around 88 miles of upgraded road.

“As part of that programme, we have been taking forward the route option assessment work for the section of the A96 to be dualled between East of Huntly and Aberdeen and we are now able to let the public see the preferred option for this scheme.

“Following detailed assessment work and consideration of feedback received throughout the design development process, we have identified a preferred option which will include improved journey time and reliability for all trunk road traffic, improve road safety and provide opportunities for active travel.

“It will also provide better transport connections to Aberdeen City and between communities in Aberdeenshire as well as the wider strategic transport network.

“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 view the virtual exhibition and give us their views.

“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.”

The virtual exhibition will be open for comment for eight weeks, closes on February 15, and local communities and road users are encouraged to take time to view the preferred route.

MP for Gordon, Richard Thomson said: “I welcome the publishing of the preferred route and the progress it represents with this key infrastructure project for the North of Scotland.

“With the virtual public exhibition now live for eight weeks, I’d urge constituents to take time to study the plans and to make sure that they provide their feedback to Transport Scotland.

“I know that many people will be disappointed at the rejection of a route to the north of Inverurie given the potential benefits it could have brought to alleviating pressures on the A947.

"The task now on that route will be to look again at the interventions outlined in the existing A947 route strategy and to try to deliver as quickly as possible on those which can make a difference to safety and journey reliability.”

The preferred option for the A96 Dualling East of Huntly to Aberdeen scheme and other information is available at www.transport.gov.scot/A96EHA