Transport Scotland has opened a consultation into the existing issues along the A96 corridor and what opportunities could be realised by an upgrade.

It says

 a better understanding of how the A96 corridor is used, particularly given the changes to everyone’s lives due to Covid-19 pandemic, and the extent to which the climate emergency makes a difference to how people travel on the A96 in the future.

This initial consultation is in the form of a digital survey supported by an online Story Map. Full details of review, the survey and Story Map can be found on the Transport Scotland website.

There had been a plan to make it into a dual carriageway, but that’s now in doubt because the Green partners in government are thought to be against that plan due to environmental reasons.

Scotland’s Transport Minister Jenny Gilruth said: “We remain committed to delivering improvements along the A96 corridor.

“The current plan is to fully dual the route between Inverness and Aberdeen. However, we have agreed to conduct a transparent, evidence-based review of the A96 Dualling Programme including a climate compatibility assessment. That is sensible good governance for major investment of that level.

“This public consultation starting today is an essential part of our review of the A96.

“The views of residents, stakeholders and businesses will help us to consider the impact of the climate emergency, Covid-19 and other changes to travel patterns when planning improvements to journeys along the route.

“We want to hear from communities and stakeholders throughout the A96 corridor so that we can take this into account alongside other technical reports when identifying options for improvements on the route. I’d like to encourage people with an interest to take part.”

(Picture – Google Streetview)