Transport Scotland has announced that ground investigations will be conducted as of next week for the A96 Dualling Hardmuir to Fochabers scheme.
These investigations will commence on Monday and are predicted to be completed in two months, dependent on weather conditions.
The aim of the carrying out these assessments is to confirm key ground information that is required to take the project’s detailed development forward.
The information will also be utilised for the assessment of the preferred option for the scheme, which was announced in December 2018 for the 28-mile section between Hardmuir and Fochabers.
Last October, Transport Scotland presented the key design development and active travel proposals.
Transport Scotland have apologised in advanced for any inconvenience the ground investigations may cause motorists and pledged to keep delays to a minimum.
Some traffic control will be required for the contractors to access adjacent to the and on the carriageway, although most of the work will be carried out away from the trunk road and adjacent side roads.
A spokesman for Transport Scotland said: “The Scottish Government is committed to dualling the A96 between Inverness and Aberdeen, underlining its commitment to connecting Scotland’s cities with a high quality transport system that will generate sustainable economic growth.
“When completed, the scheme will provide better transport connections in Moray and to the wider transport network, bring relief to communities currently affected by through traffic and save over 20 minutes for road users travelling between Hardmuir and Fochabers.
“We would ask drivers to plan their journeys in advance using the Traffic Scotland website, Twitter feed or radio.”
