Work to improve the well-known Inverness traffic bottleneck took another step forward today after Transport Scotland announced the intention to award a contract to carry out option assessment and design work on the A9/A82 Longman roundabout improvement scheme.

Subject to a standstill period, Jacobs UK Ltd will start design work on the project. It is expected that the options assessment process to identify a preferred option for this busy junctions will take approximately 15-18 months to complete.

Transport minister Humza Yousaf said: “The Scottish Government recognises the need to provide high quality road infrastructure to support economic growth and improve journey times for road users in and around Inverness.

“As part of the Inverness and Highlands City-Region Deal significant investment will be made in the trunk road network to deliver the grade separation of the A9/A82 Longman junction and the A9/A96 Inshes to Smithton Link Road to improve congestion and accessibility to Inverness.

“Improving the traffic bottleneck at Longman is a key priority of the Scottish Government and the appointment today of a design consultant to look at options for improving this well-known junction in Inverness is a major step forward in delivering this improvement. We will continue to work in collaboration with The Highland Council whilst taking this scheme forward.”