Another stretch of A9 between Inverness and Perth is a step closer to becoming dual carriageway.
Residents in Tomatin and Moy, just south of Inverness, have had their say and a “preferred option” has been flagged for approval.
A route option for road layout attempting to address local concerns about access and exit points with the least inconvenience scored 40% support and appears popular enough to avoid the need for a public inquiry.
More than 150 people attended local exhibitions over the past two days outlining the likely layout for the six-mile stretch.
Unchallenged, the work would start in 2020 and take two years to complete. The entire Inverness-Perth dualling is expected to be completed by 2025.
The local community council has given its blessing for the preferred option.
And two retired highways engineers attending yesterday’s drop-in session to update residents each backed the design.
David Anderson and Ken Wilson helped shape much of the A9 upgrades of the 1970s and ’80s.
Mr Anderson, from Balloch, was convinced the latest improvements would “save lives – and motorists’ time.”
Ken Wilson, who lives at Tomatin, believed public feedback had been included as part of the decision making process.
“It’s good to get the A9 dualled all the way and they’re gradually getting through the process,” he said. “It should have started years ago.”
The Tomatin-Moy stretch is expected to cost about £100million to build.
A formal statutory process will allow for more public comment in the autumn when people will have a last opportunity to raise any environmental concerns.
The next localised consultation is at Dalwhinnie village hall on May 23, between 1pm and 8pm, when further soundings will be taken on the Dalwhinnie-Crubenmore stretch of the route.
