Transport Scotland has published details of its preferred option for a £90m scheme to address a traffic bottleneck in Inverness.
The preferred option for the A9 / A82 Longman Junction Improvement scheme comprises a grade-separated junction with the A9 passing over the A82.
The proposal is that the existing Longman roundabout will be enlarged to incorporate two bridges with connections to the A82 and Stadium Road.
A spokesperson for Transport Scotland told Highways that the current estimate for the scheme is £85m-£95m at 2018 prices.
Transport Scotland said that as part of the proposed scheme, grade separation at Longman will also improve access for pedestrians and cyclists compared to the existing arrangement and that allowing A9 traffic to pass over the junction will significantly improve accessibility for all modes of transport.
Michael Matheson, cabinet secretary for transport, infrastructure and connectivity said: ‘As part of the Scottish Government’s commitment within the £315m Inverness and Highland City-Region Deal, we are taking forward our plans to improve the traffic bottleneck at Longman and we have been working hard to identify a preferred option for this important junction in the Highland capital following initial identification of five options last year.
‘Through design development and assessment and taking into account the comments received on the five options, we have now got a preferred option which the local community and road users can see and comment on.
He added: ‘I would encourage anyone with an interest to come along to either of the venues to view our plans of the preferred option for improving Longman junction and to have an opportunity to discuss them with our team and provide comments.
‘The vital feedback received will then be taken into account as we develop and assess the preferred option in greater detail as we look to publish draft Orders next year.”
Longman 120secs from Transport Scotland on Vimeo.
