Transport Minister, Keith Brown, has visited Morayshire to mark the completion of a significant infrastructure project aimed at improving congestion, journey times and road safety.

Mr Brown opened the new £31.5 million Fochabers to Mosstodloch Bypass on the A96. The bypass on the main road linking Aberdeen and Inverness is opening early and on budget.

Mr Brown said: "The Scottish Government is committed to investing in transport infrastructure in the north east, including the vital A96. Today’s opening of the Fochabers bypass, ahead of time and on budget, is evidence of that commitment, bringing with it real benefits for local communities and businesses.

"Having supported around 200 jobs during its construction, including around 150 from the local area, we expect the bypass to now support businesses around Moray, Aberdeenshire and further afield by making their journeys quicker and more efficient.

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"We know the bypass is welcomed by a wide range of people and organisations including hauliers who use the A96 and local schools whose pupils will benefit from a safer environment and lower traffic levels through their communities."

The Fochabers and Mosstodloch Bypass consists of 5.1 km of single carriageway road, four roundabouts and junctions with the existing side road network.

Jim Steele, Operations Director for Morrison Construction’s civil engineering business in Scotland, said: "We are pleased to have completed these vital improvements on this major trunk road connecting Aberdeen and Inverness safely and ahead of programme. It will be a major benefit to all road users of the A96 and I’m especially pleased for the local residents who have campaigned long and hard for this relief road to ease the heavy congestion in their community.

"It’s been a real team effort from start to finish and throughout the two year construction period we have worked closely with our subcontractors and suppliers and strengthened our existing relationship with Transport Scotland with whom we are now working on the Forth replacement crossing project, one of the most heavily anticipated civil engineering projects.

"As a major local employer we are particularly pleased to add the A96 project to our proven track record of successfully delivering key road improvements across Scotland."

(GK)