Scottish Government Abandons 2030 Full Dualling Target for A96

The Scottish administration has rescinded its promise to complete the full dualling of the A96 road, connecting Inverness and Aberdeen, by the year 2030. This follows an SNP commitment made in 2011 to enhance 86 miles (138km) of this particular route within that timeframe. Transport Secretary Fiona Hyslop indicated that while the project would face delays, the government still supported the full dualling of the road, emphasizing the importance of allowing communities to contribute to the ultimate choice. A fresh proposition from the national body Transport Scotland suggests that the road would not be entirely dualled, yet it incorporates bypasses for the towns of Elgin and Keith in Moray. Separately, plans for a bypass around Nairn in the Highlands are already in progress. Ms Hyslop stated that the ultimate determination needed to reconcile the requirements of a difficult economic environment with the urgency of the climate crisis. She remarked: “Since we announced our intention to fully dual the A96 in 2011, a lot has changed, including 14 years of austerity, and ongoing cost pressures that have impacted the Scottish Budget.” She continued: “We also agreed to undertake a corridor review, a lengthy and complex process, which has taken longer than initially anticipated because of the huge interest and engagement from the public.” She further commented: “These delays now mean that we will not complete dualling of the A96 by the original anticipated timeline of 2030.” Previously, during First Minister’s Questions, First Minister John Swinney, responding to an inquiry concerning road safety, affirmed: “The government remains committed to dualling the A9 and A96 and are taking the particular steps to advance those projects.” This new preliminary plan emerged after a review and is scheduled for public consultation. Transport Scotland indicated that achieving full dualling of the A96 would necessitate substantial land acquisition, raw materials, and would generate significant greenhouse gas emissions. The agency also stated that a completely dualled A96 would lead to a considerably greater rise in vehicle miles traveled and an increase in emissions approximately 15 to 65 times higher than what the new proposals project. Furthermore, Transport Scotland noted that the alternative choice would incur lower expenses. These suggested modifications are introduced nearly a year after the Scottish government announced that a goal to complete a project to dual the A9, stretching from Inverness to Perth, would be postponed by a decade. Liam Kerr, a Scottish Conservative North East MSP, characterized the circumstances surrounding the A96 as “disgraceful.” He commented: “Since the SNP first promised the upgrade under Alex Salmond’s government in 2011, there have been no less than 16 different transport secretaries and ministers, all of whom have kicked the can down the road at every turn.” The A96 traverses extensive agricultural regions and the communities of Nairn, Elgin, and Keith. Presently, it comprises lengthy sections of single carriageway along with some shorter dualled portions and crawler lanes, for instance, near Brodie and Alves. The updated proposals, designated as the “Refined Package,” encompass enhancements to junctions, better rail services, and the creation of new active travel pathways for pedestrians and cyclists. Transport Scotland had previously stated that modernizing the A96 would yield several advantages for north and north east Scotland, such as fostering economic growth and decreasing the incidence of accidents. This year, three fatal accidents occurred on the road, based on data disclosed by the Scottish government in early October. According to the revised plan for the A96 corridor, a bypass for Nairn would be distinct from the broader road initiative. The Highland town frequently experiences traffic congestion. The bypass has already secured ministerial approval subsequent to a public local inquiry. Copyright 2024 BBC. All rights reserved. The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites. Read about our approach to external linking.