Plans for new link between A9 and A96 to go on public display
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Public drop-in sessions are being held on May 16 and 17 to let locals and motorists comment on design changes to the preferred option for the route.
The changes can be viewed at Raigmore Community Centre on May 16 from midday to 7pm and at Smithton-Culloden Free Church on May 17 from midday to 7pm..
Transport Minister Humza Yousaf said: “As part of the Scottish Government’s commitment within the £315 million Inverness and Highland City-Region Deal, we identified a preferred route option for the A9/A96 Inshes to Smithton scheme last October.
“Since then our design consultants have been considering all the feedback received and we are now able to let locals and road users see and comment on design changes to the route.
“I would encourage anyone with an interest to come along to one of the venues on May 16 or 17 to view our plans and to have an opportunity to discuss them with our team and provide vital comments. The material shown at the drop-in sessions will also be available from the Transport Scotland website from midday on May 16.”
The road, which will ‘bypass’ the Raigmore Interchange, has been hailed by transport chiefs as a means of reducing journey times and easing congestion at known hotspots.
However, it will also open up swathes of farmland for future housing and other development. This has sparked criticism from some residents in Smithton and Culloden, who argued they were promised a large parkland area in past local development plans, and that this will not now come to pass.
