A96 review reveals Scottish Government could drop dualling commitment as 2030 target is dropped but new bypasses for Elgin and Keith outlined in plans

A new draft plan has revealed that the Scottish Government could abandon plans to fully dual the A96 between Inverness and Aberdeen.

The SNP pledged in 2011 to upgrade the route by 2030.

But a Northern Scot investigation earlier this year revealed that the promise had been quietly dropped four years ago.

Now, an independent review published on Thursday morning has outlined a “refined” package of eight options which consultants Jacobs Aecom score more favourably than fully dualling the road.

The dualling of the A96 between Inverness and Nairn is separate from the wider A96 review process.

Instead of dualling the road in its entirety, new bypasses for Elgin and Keith have been suggested along with improvements on the Aberdeen to Inverness railway line and “targeted” road safety improvements.

The document, published hours before Transport Secretary Fiona Hyslop delivered a statement at Holyrood, outlines how the new bypasses will deliver economic benefits for all drivers through “shorter journeys, reduced congestion and fewer delays”.

In her statement, Ms Hyslop confirmed that the 2030 deadline has been dropped but insisted that the Scottish Government remains committed to fully dualling the route.

She said: “The Scottish Government’s position has not changed – we remain in favour of full dualling of the A96.

“However, it is important local people, businesses and communities are given the opportunity to help inform the government’s final decision on how to take forward improvements to the A96 Corridor.

“That decision will also have to balance the demands of the challenging economic climate and the climate emergency.

“Since we announced our intention to fully dual the A96 in 2011, a lot has changed, including 14 years of austerity, and ongoing cost pressures that have impacted the Scottish budget.

“We also agreed to undertake a corridor review, a lengthy and complex process, which has taken longer than initially anticipated because of the huge interest and engagement from the public.

“These delays now mean that we will not complete dualling of the A96 by the original anticipated timeline of 2030. “

Highlands and Islands MSP Douglas Ross reacted angrily to Ms Hyslop’s statement.

He said: “This review comes two years late. It is an absolute sham and a disgrace.

“It’s a disgrace of a statement and it is as clear as day that the SNP are no longer committed to fully dualling the A96,

“Time and time again the people of the north east have been let down.

“I haven’t believed a word of that statement this afternoon so if the SNP are so committed to fully dualling the A96 I have only one question, when?”

The new draft plan will now be put out for a 12-week public consultation.

Included in the draft are railway line improvements such as line-speed improvements to cut journey times to two hours which amounts to a reduction of around 25 minutes.

Other measures include the provision of passing loops to enable a more frequent passenger service as well as the provision of freight facilities.

The suggested road safety improvements include improved overtaking opportunities and junction improvements along the route.

The report adds that fully dualling the A96 would have a “cumulative major negative effect” when assessed alongside environmental factors.

It adds: “This is mainly due to the construction footprint but also adverse effects of greenhouse gas emissions and local air quality from traffic emissions during the operational phase.”