A controversial route to dual Moray’s busiest road by cutting through the rural countryside is “unlikely” to go ahead.
Transport Minister Humza Yousaf is personally scrutinising “option N” for upgrading the A96 Aberdeen to Inverness road between Hardmuir, near Nairn, and Fochabers.
The divisive route would divert traffic to the south of Forres and Elgin and cut close to peaceful Pluscarden Abbey.
Mr Yousaf has now told Moray MSP Richard Lochhead the option is “highly unlikely” to be chosen following discussions he has had with locals.
However, the minister has warned the choice must still go through the assessment process to avoid possible legal challenges, which is expected to take about two years.
Last night Mr Lochhead said the news would come as a “relief” to many residents in Moray.
He said: “I believe that routing the dualled A96 away from all of our towns really is a non-starter.
“The commitment of the Scottish Government to dual the A96 is hugely significant and the results will be of great benefit to the people and economy of Moray.
“However, it’s important that local views are taken into account. Therefore, I’m delighted the government has listened and expressed that route N is unlikely to go ahead.”
About 1,000 residents attended three public exhibitions by Transport Scotland bosses in Moray earlier this month.
Two options were presented by officials, the other seeing the A96 dualled on a route similar to its current path but with new bypasses either to the north or south of Elgin and Forres. Detailed designs are now being drawn up by engineers within the corridors identified.
A Transport Scotland spokesman said: “Design work for the western section of the A96 has now stepped up a gear with route options being developed and assessed and it is expected this work will take about two years to complete.
“This evidence based approach is followed on all our trunk road projects to ensure we deliver the right scheme and help tackle congestion, make journey times more reliable and, crucially, improve road safety.”