Residents and road users are being invited to view plans for a new road in Inverness linking the A9 and A96 trunk roads.

The A9/A96 Inshes to Smithton scheme will include a three-metre shared surface on both sides of the carriageway, along with a dedicated cycleway and separate footway linking to Inverness Retail and Business Park. In addition, cycling and pedestrian facilities will also connect into the existing core path, local path and national cycle networks.

A decision has also been taken to progress an option to the east of Ashton Farm as part of the preferred option identified late last year.

The proposals are available for locals and road users to view at two drop-in eventsl


• 12 noon – 7pm, Raigmore Community Centre, 125 Ashton Road, Inverness, Wednesday, 16 May.

• 12 noon till 7pm, Smithton-Culloden Free Church, Murray Road, Smithton, Inverness, Thursday, 17 May.

Transport Minister Humza Yousaf said: "As part of the Scottish Government's commitment within the £315 million Inverness and Highland City-Region Deal, we are progressing our plans for a single carriageway road connecting Inshes and Smithton in the Highland capital.

"Since we identified the preferred option for the scheme late last year, our design consultants have been considering all the feedback received.

"We are now able to let locals and road users see and comment on the updated proposals including our exciting plans for enhanced provision for cyclists and pedestrians and the preferred route option with variant B confirmed as the line of the scheme to be taken forward.

"I would encourage anyone with an interest to come along to one of the venues to view our plans and to have an opportunity to discuss them with our team and provide vital feedback. The material shown at the drop-in sessions is also be available on the project page on the Transport Scotland website."