Work to deliver a Nairn bypass and dual the A96 from Inverness to Nairn took a major step forward today.

As part of the Scottish Government’s ambitious programme to dual the A96 from Inverness to Aberdeen by 2030, the preferred option for the Inverness to Nairn (including Nairn Bypass) scheme went on public display.

Design and assessment work of initial alternative options has been informed by valuable community feedback following public exhibitions in November last year.

Transport Minister Keith Brown said: “We have ambitious plans to dual the A96 between Inverness and Aberdeen by 2030, delivering around 142km of upgraded road.

“As part of that programme, we have been taking forward route option assessment work for dualling the 30km section between Inverness and Nairn including a Nairn Bypass.

“Following detailed assessment work and feedback from last year’s public exhibitions, we are now able to let the public see the preferred option for this scheme.

“We are keen to let locals and road users have their say and I would encourage anyone interested in our plans to come to the exhibitions and offer any comments.

“We are committed to delivering the scheme as quickly as possible and are currently progressing the procurement of a design consultant to develop the plans further. We expect to appoint a consultant early next year with a view to publishing draft orders for this £30 million contract scheme in 2016.”

As the scheme is progressed individuals, communities and businesses affected by the work will be kept fully informed and their vital feedback taken into account.

Copies of the exhibition material including the preferred option and further details of the scheme can be found here.