This observer is hoping that there are better proposals for cyclists, an opportunity not to be missed really to improve cycling facilities in the area. Here's Scottish Government press release.
Locals to be given chance to view proposed A96 Inverness to Nairn dualling scheme changes.
Locals and road users are to be given the chance to view proposed changes to the A96 Inverness to Nairn (including Nairn Bypass) dualling scheme.
A series of drop-in sessions are being held in early February in Culloden and Nairn when the public will be able to view and comment on the proposed changes to the preferred option for the scheme which was announced in October 2014.
The ongoing design work along with the public consultation process have resulted in a number of changes to the scheme.
Along with the proposed changes, communities will be able to see our developing proposals for non-motorised users, including cyclists.
Cabinet Secretary for Infrastructure, Investment and Cities Keith Brown said:
“The Scottish Government has given a clear commitment to dual the A96 which will see delivery of around 88 miles of upgraded road between Inverness and Aberdeen, a huge task but one we are relishing.
“Dualling the A96 requires careful, in-depth planning and design so that we deliver the right scheme and help tackle congestion, make journey times more reliable and, crucially, improve road safety.
“Having announced the preferred option in October 2014 for the 19-mile section between Inverness and Nairn, which includes a bypass at Nairn, we are now giving the public the opportunity to see the changes we propose to the route following public feedback and ongoing design development.
"I would encourage everyone with an interest in this important scheme to come along to one of the drop-in sessions next month or view the changes online."
As the Inverness to Nairn (including Nairn Bypass) scheme is further progressed, individuals, communities and businesses affected by the work will be kept fully informed and their vital feedback taken into account.
Details of the Drop-in sessions:
Wednesday 3 February 2016 – 12 noon – 7 pm –The Barn Church, Culloden House Avenue, Culloden, Inverness IV2 7AB.
Thursday 4 and Friday 5 February 2016 – 12 noon – 7 pm – Nairn Community and Arts Centre, King Street, Nairn IV12 4BQ
Representatives from Transport Scotland’s A96 Dualling team and their design consultants will be available to answer questions on the design work and proposed changes to the preferred option as we look to publish draft Orders for the scheme later in 2016.
Great to know progress is being made. Whilst it would be good to have add ons for cyclists, let's focus on welcoming the fact that Nairn will have a lot less traffic which de facto would allow us to have a 20mph Max across the town. Safer and healthier for all.
ReplyDeleteI trust the new bypass will have plenty of sets of superfluous traffic lights, I'll be so disappointed if it hasn't
ReplyDeleteConsidering the governments focus on reducing carbon emissions , promoting greener travel, and its target (although now called an "ambition") of 10% of all journey to be by bike by 2020 - i would think this would be the IDEAL time to consider cyclists - and it does not have to mean any expensive options - just consideration at the major on/off junctions and roads that lead to these junctions to be more cycle friendly - of course having shared-use paths (only marginally wider than normal paths) along these roads would be most welcome- as for pedestrians it would be as well,
ReplyDeletelets face facts here...
motorists will speed to and from these bypass connections roads (and some will disregard any speed limits on these roads too) and they will contain a lot of traffic because they will want to use the new bypass - especially if the town centre becomes a 20mph zone or even some new pedestrian zones - and so these connector roads could become a bit of a death trap for users other than motorists.
Glad the bypass is getting a move on, but I really, really hope they add on a cycle route. It really adds a lot of tourism and business benefit -- Forres, Kinloss, Findhorn and Lossiemouth all get regular business from cyclists thanks to the dedicated walking/cycle paths along the Moray Coast Trail connecting all four towns.
ReplyDelete2.25
ReplyDeleteBypass will not have any traffic lights - not even any roundabouts.
It will be ideal for those on long journeys.
Imagine Scotland with proper road links between its main cities!
Makes you wonder why we didn't have an SNP government generations ago.
Such a shame that they couldn't start this work during their first term as a minority government - when they were outvoted by the unionist parties - and Edinburgh got the craziest, most expensive tram "system" in world history.
For Nairn town it will allow the removal of all unnecessary traffic lights - most!
Rock and Roll :-)