§ Mrs. Margaret EwingTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will list in theOfficial Report the total number and location of proposed improvements to the A96 which require SDD funding.
§ 3. Lord James Douglas-Hamilton[holding answer 1 November 1989]: The following programme of improvements on the A96, to be funded by the Scottish Development Department, has been developed in line with the strategic six-point plan for the route which I announced last December:—
1. Major Schemes (over £1 million)
There are 7 major schemes programmed.
- Bucksburn Diversion
- Blackburn Bypass
- Kintore Bypass
- Inveramsey-Waterside
- Keith Bypass
- Lhanbryde Bypass
- Nairn Railway Bridge
In addition, the Scottish Development Department is considering the justification and possible options for bypassing Fochabers. If a satisfactory scheme can be worked out it will be added to the trunk road programme.
2. Minor Schemes (less than £1 million)
Three improvement schemes are planned to start this financial year. These are the Dramlachs climbing lane at Fochabers, the Tearie junction at Brodie and the Drumine to Gollanfield scheme. In addition, a report has been commissioned from Grampian regional council which is expected to identify at least another 5 minor schemes for early implementation which will provide overtaking opportunities along the route. In parallel with this, a specialist consultant 743W has been appointed to develop a computer based simulation model for the whole of the A96 to assist in the identification of the optimum locations for further overtaking opportunity schemes.
Accident Remedial Schemes
Good progress has already been made on accident remedial schemes on the A96, and Grampian and Highland regional councils will in the near future be recommending a further programme of schemes for the next financial year. These schemes will be implemented quickly in line with departmental policy.
§ Mrs. Margaret EwingTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will list in theOfficial Report the total number and location of SDD funded improvements which are currently being undertaken on the A96.
§ Lord James Douglas-Hamilton[holding answer 1 November 1989]: One major scheme, the Inverurie bypass, is currently under construction. In addition, seven accident remedial schemes involving measures such as signing and surface dressing are under way or recently completed at a number of locations along the route. This work has also included a thorough overhaul of all road markings on the route with highly reflective, long-lasting materials to the most recent specification.