A96 Corridor Review consultation report published

Transport Scotland has published a new report summarising public feedback from the consultation on options to improve the A96 corridor.

The report has been passed to the Cabinet Secretary for Transport Fiona Hyslop who will fully consider the feedback received along with the draft outcomes from the Review’s appraisal and assessment work, prior to the Scottish Government making a final decision on how best to take forward improvements to the A96 corridor.

Read the report HERE

Sarah Medcraf, CE of Moray Chamber said: “The publication of this report is a vital step and it’s clear from the volume of responses just how important this route is to the communities and businesses along it. The A96 is a critical artery for Moray’s economy for freight, for tourism, for daily commutes,  and it plays a huge role in how we attract and retain investment and talent in our region.

"It’s reassuring to hear that the Scottish Government’s position remains to fully dual the A96, and we’re encouraged by the progress already underway on the Inverness to Nairn section. But we now need momentum and clarity. Businesses in Moray need certainty and a clear timeline. 

"We understand that public finances are under pressure, but strategic infrastructure like this must remain a priority if we’re serious about supporting regional growth and opportunity.”
 

Cabinet Secretary for Transport Fiona Hyslop said: “The position of the Scottish Government has not changed – the current favoured position is to fully dual the A96 and we are already starting the dualling process from Inverness to Nairn, including a Nairn Bypass, having acquired the land for the scheme earlier this year.

“As part of the then Bute House Agreement, the Scottish Government agreed to undertake a review of the corridor, a lengthy and complex process and Transport Scotland published the outcomes from the Review in draft for consultation last November.
“It was important that local people, businesses and communities were given the opportunity to help inform the government’s final decision on how to take forward improvements to the A96 corridor. It is a sign of the public interest in this work that over 1,400 responses to the consultation were received from stakeholders, local communities along the A96 and road users amongst others.

“I have now received the report on the feedback gathered during the consultation and will be considering the findings alongside the review’s extensive appraisal and assessment work before a decision is made on improvements to the A96 corridor. Any decision on the way ahead for the A96 corridor will need to take into consideration the UK Government’s recent Spending Review and its impact on Scottish Budgets, and the forthcoming update to the Scottish Government’s Infrastructure Investment Plan, expected later this year.”