A multi-million pound project to improve the A96 east of Lhanbryde took a significant step forward on Friday with the publication of made Road Orders and Compulsory Purchase Orders.

These orders, for the £3 - £3.5 million A96 Threapland Junction improvements, will see over 1km of this vital trunk road upgraded to deliver real safety benefits.

Transport Scotland Project Director, Jo Blewett, said: “The A96 is an important strategic route between Aberdeen and Inverness and is vital for business and communities. This project will improve junction layouts while providing better visibility for drivers and reducing accidents in this area.


“Our design for this project has taken account of local opinion and ensures that there is minimal environmental impact, particularly in relation to the Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) at Loch Oire.

“This upgrade is one of a number of improvement measures targeted at achieving safer journeys on the A96. The Scheme will complement the £31.5m works currently underway to provide a bypass at Fochabers and Mosstodloch.”

Interested parties can view the orders during business hours from 14 May 2010 to 25 June 2010 at the offices of Moray Council, Council Office, Academy Street, Elgin IV32; Lhanbryde Post Office, 32 St. Andrews Road, Lhanbryde, Elgin IV30 8LQ; Fochabers Public Library, 55 High Street, Fochabers, IV32 7DY and Urquhart Post Office, Station Road, Urquhart by Elgin, IV30 8LQ and Transport Scotland, Buchanan House, 58 Port Dundas Road, Glasgow, G4 0HF.

(GK)