Design works for a major improvement to a key north east route was given the go-ahead today by Transport Minister Keith Brown.

The necessary preparatory work will identify the preferred design solutions for the complex task of removing the current traffic bottleneck at the A96 Inveramsay Bridge to enable this priority project to move forward.

Mr Brown said: “I’m delighted to announce the go-ahead for this work which further underlines our commitment to upgrading the A96 – a key economic artery in the north of Scotland. We recognise the strategic importance of the road between Aberdeen and Inverness and this announcement builds on the ongoing Fochabers Bypass construction and last summer’s green light for dualling and other significant upgrades between Inverness and Nairn.

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“This Government is committed to improving our transport networks across Scotland and improving Inveramsay Bridge was earmarked in our Strategic Transport Project’s Review. This announcement demonstrates we are not just delivering improvements now but we are also investing in the crucial and necessary steps towards further upgrades.

“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.”

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.

The design contract has now been put out to tender with the successful civil engineering consultant to be appointed later this Spring.

(GK)