Roads bosses have vowed to place concerns raised by Moray residents at the heart of the decision-making process as plans for dualling the A96 between Aberdeen and Inverness are finalised.
Transport Scotland awarded a contract worth up to £50million for route option assessment and detailed design work on a 29-mile stretch between Auldearn and Fochabers last month.
Since then, there has been growing pressure from Moray’s politicians, councillors and residents to ensure the route chosen is one which benefits the area.
Fears have been raised that one potential pathway for the dualled road would take it miles away from Forres and Elgin.
And monks at Pluscarden Abbey said that one option would wreak havoc on their peaceful way of life if approved, by sending vehicles past their tranquil retreat.
Transport Scotland yesterday pledged to canvas residents who will be affected by development of the stretch through Moray.
A spokesman said: “Design work for the section between Auldearn and Fochabers will now be stepped up a gear, route options are being developed and assessed and will be complete in around two years.
“Consultation is an integral part of the design process, and will be undertaken to ensure that vital feedback is taken into account.”
The roads group’s commitment came after Moray MSP Richard Lochhead held talks with Transport Scotland’s chief executive Roy Brannen at Holyrood.
The politician urged Mr Brannen to ensure that a “high level of communication” was maintained with communities throughout the project.
Last night, Mr Lochhead said: “Much is to be done before the preferred route is chosen, and I’m pleased that Mr Brannen promised to ensure there would be good communication with local communities.
“I emphasised the concerns about one option, which would essentially body swerve our bigger communities completely.
“The sooner decisions are taken the better, so that communities, businesses and families can have clarity over the future.”
Mr Lochhead also urged Mr Brannen to instal cycle paths along the route.
Pluscarden Abbey’s Father Giles Conachan said: “We are hoping that transport executives won’t run a dualled A96 through the valley at Pluscarden.
“It would be a great pity were that to happen, it would not be as nice a place to walk around as it is now.”
