The decision to scrap plans for a new junction directing traffic from the A9 into the centre of Aviemore has been widely welcomed.
Transport Scotland revealed that they had ditched the idea as their latest plans for dualling a 15-mile stretch of the A9 between Slochd and Dalraddy were put out to public consultation yesterday.
Aviemore-based Councillor Bill Lobban said the move was “sensible” while there was near unanimous support among people attending a public consultation event in the village yesterday.
However, there were some concerns raised about proposed lay-outs for the junctions which will go ahead.
The stretch is seen as one of the most challenging of the entire dualling project between Inverness and Perth.
Transport Scotland are now finalising plans for new junctions at Black Mount, Granish and to the south of Aviemore, with a preferred route due to be published by early next year.
Concerns had been raised about the central junction and a potential increase in traffic traveling through the village to travel to CairnGorm Mountain and other attractions in the area.
Mr Lobban said: “I think it’s a very sensible decision. Given the traffic flow that would be required to come into Aviemore, it was never going to be workable.
“The deletion of either of the junctions to the north and south would have been unacceptable.”
However, the councillor raised concerns about “nonsensical” junction options which feature t-junctions to what he dubbed “roads to nowhere”.
A Transport Scotland spokesman said: “Having considered the feedback received and undertaken further assessment, we have concluded that the junction option being considered for Aviemore Central should be discounted as it would have significant environmental impacts and does not provide the significant benefits that the other junction options offer.”
A further consultation event will be held at Carrbridge Village Hall between 12pm and 8pm today.
The spokesman added: “We would encourage all with an interest in the Dalraddy to Slochd project to attend the exhibitions or view the proposals on the A9 Dualling website and give us their feedback.
“We then expect, as part of the ongoing engagement for the dualling programme, to provide an opportunity for locals and road users to comment on a preferred route option early next year.”