Transport Minister Keith Brown has today announced the successful designer appointed to carry out the complex work to upgrade the A96 at Inveramsay Bridge.

Following the Minister’s announcement last month to tender for the design work, in only a few short weeks Scott Wilson has been appointed to commence the preparation and design work leading to completing the statutory processes for this major improvement to the north of Scotland’s key route.

Mr Brown said: "I’m delighted to announce the appointment of the designer for this stage of the work which reconfirms our commitment to upgrading the A96.


"We recognise the strategic importance of the road between the north of Scotland two cities and this work build s on other major improvements already under way including the £31m Fochabers Bypass which currently under construction and on time for delivery next Spring, and design work due for completion this Spring which will determine the best design solutions to dual the A96 between Inverness and Nairn, provide a new link connecting the A96 to the A9 south of Inverness, and also bypass at Nairn."

"By ensuring communities and businesses are better connected to economic centres, this project will also improve access to other future growth areas on the A96 corridor. Our unprecedented investment in major transport infrastructure projects encourage economic recovery, prepare a sustainable platform for economic growth and support essential construction industry jobs," he added.

The scheme presents a significant challenge to ensure that the disruption to both the trunk road traffic and the Aberdeen to Inverness railway line is kept to an absolute minimum during the construction.

(GK)