A Transport Scotland improvement project that will boost safety on one of Moray's key routes, the A96, has taken a significant step forward this week with the publication of the Draft Compulsory Purchase Order, the Draft Road Orders and the Environmental Statement.

This marks the start of the formal consultation stage and follows discussions with relevant organisations, landowners and members of the public at the initial planning stage. The formal consultation period regarding these orders will last for 7 weeks, starting from 14 October 2008.

Ewan Borthwick, Transport Scotland's Project Manager said: "We realise this is an important scheme for Moray communities and we are pleased that we have now moved to the statutory process now that the necessary planning has been carried out.

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"We are committed to delivering this scheme that will invest £2.5m to £3m into the Morayshire network to improve safety. Local people can now formally have their say on this project through this statutory consultation."

This scheme will involve upgrading approximately three quarters of a mile (1.2km) of the existing A96 carriageway, improving visibility for vehicles on the approaches to the Threapland junction.

The western A96/Loch Oire Road junction will be closed and the Threapland junction will be realigned, with its junction onto the A96 moving 85m west, and dedicated right turn lanes being provided. This is expected to improve safety for both drivers and pedestrians.

Vehicles wishing to access the western end of Loch Oire Road will be routed via the improved Threapland junction.

The consultation will close on 5 December 2008. Work is expected to begin on the scheme in mid-2009 with the construction phase lasting approximately one year.

(GK/JM)