A96 Forres review by Transport Scotland to see if pedestrian crossing needed.
A review will look into whether a new pedestrian crossing needs to be installed over the busiest road in the region.
Transport Scotland is set to count exactly how many people cross the A96 on foot beside the Greshop roundabout in Forres.
Several shops and businesses are sited within the Greshop Industrial Estate, which stands on the other side of the A96 from the rest of the town.
Pedestrians and cyclists wanting to get to Forres train station also have to cross the route, which currently only has drop kerbs and traffic islands.
Fiona Hyslop, the Scottish Government’s Transport Minister, has now confirmed that a review will be undertaken – news that has been welcomed by Kathleen Robertson, the leader of Moray Council.
Cllr Roberson (Forres, Conservative) said: “Constituents in Forres have been short-changed for too long when it comes to crossings along the A96. Pedestrians living here and needing to access these routes should be feeling safe at all times, but that simply is not the case.
“Along other parts of the A96, like Elgin and Nairn, pedestrians are well served by safe crossing points and it is time that those in Forres enjoyed similar crossings.”
Douglas Ross, whose parliamentary constituency covers Moray, stated it was “positive progress”.
The MSP added: “For some time constituents in Forres have raised real concerns about how unsafe it is to cross at key areas along the A96. Many feel they are literally taking their life in their hands.
“It is welcome that a study will now get underway shortly to explore options of safe crossings at key locations such as at the Greshop roundabout and Forres train station. I am confident that this study will confirm the overwhelming need for the installation of these crossings.”
Mrs Hyslop has stated that the review will be completed by the end of March next year.
She said: “This timing allows the study to understand typical travel volumes and patterns without the impact of the summer holiday period.”
