A96: Targeted improvements better for environment than full dualling, review concludes

A review of possible improvements to the A96 connecting Aberdeen and Inverness has concluded that smaller interventions would deliver better outcomes than full dualling of the road.

The appraisal, published by Transport Scotland, said a “refined package” of improvements would be better for the environment, sustainability, equality and inclusivity.

This package could include bypasses for Elgin and Keith, delivering targeted road safety improvements, and improved infrastructure for electric vehicles.

Meanwhile full dualling of the route, according to the review, would have a negative impact on the government’s net zero emissions target and the environment for local communities.

The dualling of the road has long been the subject of heated debate, with advocates saying it would make one of Scotland’s most dangerous roads safer while opponents warn it goes against climate ambitions.

Transport secretary Fiona Hyslop will set out the government’s position in a statement to parliament on Thursday afternoon. 

But speaking at First Minister's Questions earlier, John Swinney told parliament his government remained "fully committed" to dualling both the A9 and A96.

The Scottish Greens have already called for plans to dual the road to be scrapped.

MSP Mark Ruskell said: “There is no economic or environmental case for dualling every square inch of the A96, and the SNP must accept this and halt the project.

“If the dualling project goes ahead, it will be incompatible with our goals to reduce the number of cars on our road and cut climate emissions.

“We are already far behind where we need to be on our climate targets, and we cannot afford to pour billions of pounds into a project that will only push that target back even further if more cars are flying up and down the country.”

The SNP pledged to dual the entire route in 2011 with a delivery date of 2030.

But a series of disagreements over the preferred route meant the project was delayed.

After the 2021 election, when the SNP and Greens went into government together, progress on the programme was paused to allow a review of the environmental impact of the plans to go ahead.

This review has now concluded: “Overall, the refined package performs better than full dualling in terms of the appraisal criteria, particularly with respect to the impact on the environment, sustainability, equality and inclusivity.”

A public consultation has now been opened to hear views on the outcomes of the review, and, in particular, on options for the refined package.