Final decision on Aberdeen to Inverness route improvement awaits public feedback.
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The public consultation regarding the dualling of the A96 corridor has officially closed, placing the future of the Aberdeen to Inverness route in the hands of the SNP government. This consultation follows a comprehensive review of the project, which has raised questions about the feasibility of fully dualling the route.
The government has indicated that its “current favoured position” is to pursue full dualling, but it has sought public feedback before making any final decisions.
Review findings and implications
Transport Secretary Fiona Hyslop has acknowledged that the project will not meet its original target completion date of 2030, and she has refrained from providing a revised timeline.
The independent review conducted by consultants Jacobs Aecom, published in November, has cast doubt on the viability of full dualling, rating it less favorably compared to alternative options, particularly concerning environmental impacts.
Instead of full dualling, the review proposed a package of eight transport improvements, including new bypasses for Elgin and Keith, enhancements to the Aberdeen to Inverness railway line, and targeted road safety measures. This shift in focus reflects the government’s commitment to balancing infrastructure development with environmental considerations.
Public engagement and feedback
The public has been actively engaged throughout the review process, with the initial consultation costing taxpayers £6.2 million and generating 4,600 responses, which led to 11,000 suggestions for improving the 100-mile corridor. Following this, a second 12-week consultation was launched, which closed on February 21. Hyslop reported that 500 individuals had responded to the latest survey as it approached its conclusion.
Despite the SNP government’s stated intention to dual the route, the findings of the government-ordered review suggest a more cautious approach may be necessary. The final decision will be made against a backdrop of significant budget constraints, raising concerns that the commitment to full dualling could be diluted in favor of targeted improvements.
Next steps and future considerations
As the SNP ministers move forward with the final stages of the process, they are set to acquire the land needed for the Inverness to Nairn section, which is exempt from the broader review. This segment is expected to be the first part of the road to be dualled, with an estimated cost of around £12 million. The government is also exploring the most suitable procurement options for delivering the scheme, which will help establish a timeline aligned with available budgets.
Ultimately, the decision on whether to proceed with full dualling or to adopt a more measured approach will hinge on the feedback received from the public and the pressing economic realities facing the government. As the situation develops, stakeholders will be closely monitoring the government’s next moves regarding the A96 corridor.
