Appendix D - Package options and their associated mode of transport/descriptions

Option

Mode of transport

Description

Active Communities

Active Travel

Deliver networks of high-quality active travel routes and placemaking improvements within key communities along the A96 corridor such as Nairn, Forres, Elgin, Fochabers, Keith, Huntly and Inverurie.

Active Connections

Active Travel

Deliver high quality active travel linkages for people walking, wheeling and cycling between settlements along the A96 corridor, which would combine to form a continuous traffic-free path all the way from Inverness to Aberdeen, either directly adjacent to, or close to, the A96.

Active Hubs

Multimodal

The creation of a strategy for the delivery of active hubs within communities across the length of the A96 corridor.

Improved Public Transport Passenger Interchange Facilities

Multimodal

Improve public transport passenger facilities, including accessibility and quality enhancements at bus stations and railway stations.

Bus Priority Measures

Bus

Implement schemes targeted at delivering faster and more reliable journey times for bus passengers.

Investment in Demand Responsive Transport (DRT) and Mobility as a Service (MaaS)

Public Transport

Improve access to travel opportunities in locations with low bus network connectivity or where conventional fixed route services may not be suitable or viable. In these areas, flexible services, such as Demand Responsive Transport (DRT) or Community Transport (CT), may be able to provide improved public transport links.

Introduction of Rail Freight Terminals

Freight

Facilitate the introduction, development and operation of rail freight terminals by the private sector at Inverness, Elgin and Keith, to facilitate freight movements to/from these locations by rail.

Linespeed, Passenger and Freight Capacity Improvements on the Aberdeen to Inverness Rail Line

Rail

Three distinct improvements to the railway between Aberdeen and Inverness; linespeed improvements to cut journey times, the provision of passing loops to enable a more frequent passenger service and the provision of freight facilities to enable intermodal freight to operate.

Improved Parking Provision at Railway Stations

Rail

Enhance parking facilities at railway stations between Aberdeen and Inverness with the aim of encouraging the use of existing low carbon infrastructure for medium and long-distance travel along the corridor.

A96 Full Dualling (plus Targeted Trunk Road Improvements)

Road

Full dualling of the A96 between Hardmuir to Craibstone to address road safety concerns and provide resilience and reliability improvements for a key connection between Inverness and Aberdeen.

Targeted Road Safety Improvements

Road

Improving the safety performance of the A96 Trunk Road to address both real and perceived road safety concerns (with potential measures ranging from minor improvements through to partial dualling).

Elgin Bypass

Road

Improve the safety, resilience, and reliability of the A96 within the vicinity of Elgin through the provision of a bypass of the town.

Keith Bypass

Road

Improve the safety, resilience, and reliability of the A96 within the vicinity of Keith through the provision of a bypass of the town.

Inverurie Bypass

Road

Improve the safety, resilience, and reliability of the A96 within the vicinity of Inverurie through the provision of a bypass of the town.

Forres Bypass

Road

Improve the safety, resilience, and reliability of the A96 in Forres through the provision of a bypass within the vicinity of the town

A96 Electric Corridor

Technology

Provision of alternative refuelling infrastructure and facilities along the A96 corridor, its interfacing local roads as well as, where appropriate, strategic economic and transport hubs. This option will directly facilitate the dispensation of alternative sources of fuel for various modes of sustainable transport although it is recognised that the option is likely to focus on road vehicles.