Work is to begin on a £30 million pound investment into Elgin's transport network.

The 13-year Elgin Transport Strategy was approved by Moray Council today, 09 August.

Following the approval, improvement works will commence immediately with almost £1m being spent in the next 12 months to alleviate traffic problems in key areas.

Features include converting Moss Street to a one-way system, with traffic flowing northbound. Footways and cycle lanes will also be widened to provide safe routes for cyclists and pedestrians. In addition, traffic lights are to be installed at the junction of South Street and Hay Street, as part of a full reconstruction of the junction. Two lanes of traffic will be provided on approach, where possible, and pedestrian crossings provided.

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The improvements are expected to cost £900,000. So far, £233,000 has already been received through developer obligations while the rest of the funding has been allocated from the council's 2017/18 capital plan.

Future plans range from installing traffic lights and cycle lanes to major infrastructure projects like a new railway crossing for vehicles between Ashgrove Road and Maisondieu Road. Funding for these schemes will depend on available budget, based on a programme of work extending over several years, however it's anticipated that external funding would be available for some elements.

The projects are designed to help Elgin's transport network cope with the 2,700 additional homes and 15,000 extra daily car trips expected by 2030. Overall, the Strategy is expected to deliver benefits of over £50 million once completed.

Cllr James Allan said the strategy was fundamental in futureproofing Elgin's continued expansion.

"Without this, any planning applications which impact on Elgin's road network would be difficult to approve, and agreeing developer obligations could be just as tricky," he said.

"We'd be left with increased congestion and reduced opportunity to secure contribution from developers towards infrastructure solutions."

Cllr John Cowe said: "I'm delighted that the transport strategy for Elgin has been approved and it will be a strategic element of the Moray Growth Deal bid. The growth of Elgin is fast-paced and we as a council have to be at the forefront of developing our infrastructure in line with this."

(LM/MH)