Design work is to begin into dualling the A96 road to Inverness airport.

 

The new study, to be carried out by Transport Scotland, will identify how and where the road could be dualled and estimate the cost of the project should it be approved.

 

Transport Minister Tavish Scott said:

"The dynamic growth of the city of Inverness is impressive. However, the transport connections in the eastern side of the city are hindering future development.

 

"Dualling this vital link road to the airport would be a major investment costing in excess of £30 million. However, I have now given the go-ahead for initial design work to be carried out.

 

"The design work will start in June and the Regional Transport Partnership, Highland Council, Highland and Island Enterprises and the local enterprise company will be kept fully engaged in this process.

 

"Any future decisions on the A96 will be informed by our forthcoming Strategic Projects Review, but this work will help accelerate construction if approved."

 

A Scottish Transport Appraisal Guidance (STAG) report into the transport corridor between Raigmore Interchange, Inverness and the Mid-Coul access to the airport at Dalcross was recently completed. The report "A96 Inverness to the Airport, STAG Assessment" was completed in February.

 

The A96 provides the link between Inverness and Aberdeen. At its west end it supports the growth of the communities and developments of Culloden, Smithton and Balloch, as Inverness spreads east of the A9 at Raigmore.

 

The STAG assessment looked at the options for improving access to those areas, and further to Inverness Airport. Dualling options provide good economic returns with the highest net present value provided by dualling to the Airport. This dualling option, although the most expensive at £30 million could also support, or be complemented by public transport measures.

 

Transport Scotland will undertake a Strategic Project Review to assess the efficiency of and pressures on the present transport networks and recommend a programme of schemes to be developed for investment in the 2010's. This work will be informed by the National Transport Strategy, and consultants will start this study later this year.