Transport project to keep timber lorries away from Dallas
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A TIMBER transport project that will ensure lorries don't have to travel through Dallas has been awarded almost a quarter of a million pounds.
Scottish Forestry has awarded £240,000 to a project to improve the C12E road at Branchill, which will divert timber wagons away from Dallas.
Cars are often parked on both sides of the road through the village, creating problems when large timber lorries are travelling to and from forests.
The works, which are to be co-financed by Moray Council, will improve overall road safety, reduce noise and disruption to local residents.
SNP Environment Minister Màiri McAllan said: “Scotland’s forestry sector supports around 25,000 jobs and generates over £1 billion to the economy each year.
"Ensuring we have a sound timber transport network is a key feature to ensure economic benefits continue.
“The funding promotes timber transport projects that benefit rural communities too.
"I welcome projects that reduce lorry trips and take timber wagons away from villages and small rural roads."
The project will improve stretches of the C12E Branchill to allow around 150,000 tonnes of timber from several forests to avoid travelling through the centre of the village of Dallas.
An alternative route has been agreed for timber to reach the B9010, which leads on to wood processors or the main road in Forres.
The cash boost is being made through the Strategic Timber Transport Fund, which is managed by Scottish Forestry, with funding support from Transport Scotland.
A total of £7 million is being awarded to a range of timber transport projects across Scotland.
