A series of exhibitions on the Scottish Government's plans to dual the A96 between Inverness and Aberdeen are set to go on display.

The events will give local communities the opportunity to view and comment on the proposals.

The public will also be able to see the route options under consideration for the section of the A96 between Inverness to Nairn and related work on the Nairn Bypass.

The first of nine exhibitions begin today (12 November) in a tour of the towns across the north of Scotland.

Speaking ahead of the opening, Transport Minister Keith Brown said: "There are nearly 100 miles of trunk road between Inverness and Aberdeen yet just over 11 miles are currently dual carriageway. The A96 dualling programme will therefore involve the construction of over 88 miles of new dual carriageway, Like the challenges of the A9, the benefits of the A96 improvements will be felt right across Scotland with reduced journey times and improved journey time reliability and safety.


"Early engineering and environmental assessments are already underway and traffic surveys have already been carried out along the route to improve the understanding of traffic volumes and patterns. In addition, aerial surveys of the route between Scotland's two northernmost cities are currently on site, helping produce computer ground models of the A96.

"Plans will also be on display showing the eight route options under consideration for the section of the A96 between Inverness and Nairn and the nine route options under consideration for a Nairn Bypass. It is important people have their say on these options so that we can take account of vital feedback during the assessment process. It is our intention to announce a preferred option for this section of the A96, including a Nairn Bypass, in 2014.

"I would ask everyone, from Forres to Fochabers, Inverurie to Inverness, who has an interest in improving the road, to come and see for themselves the design proposals being put forward and to take the opportunity to help form the A96 dualling programme."

Minister Brown continued: "In addition to Nairn, the A96 bisects a number of other communities, and we recognise there will be a requirement for bypasses around Forres, Elgin, Keith and Inverurie. Once the preliminary engineering and environmental assessment work is completed in about 12-18 months' time, detailed route options will be progressed and preferred routes for these bypasses identified as soon as possible. I look forward to seeing those plans then.

"I'm also aware that the Elgin Western Link Road proposed by Moray Council is to provide local access within Elgin. The intended purpose of the A96 dualling programme is unrelated to local authority proposals to improve the local road network in the town."

(JP/IT)