Current status: Answered by Stephen Flynn on 13 August 2026
To ask the Scottish Government what discussions it has had with (a) Amey and (b) Transport Scotland, in advance of refurbishment work on the A96 Fochabers New Bridge, regarding how disruption arising from work will be minimised.
Transport Scotland and its Operating Company, Amey, worked collaboratively to develop the most effective approach for delivering these works. Each project must achieve an appropriate balance between safety, efficient delivery, minimising impacts on local communities, and ensuring value for money in the use of public funds. To reduce disruption as far as possible, a range of options was considered before a preferred approach was identified. This involved maintaining access across the bridge throughout the works by keeping one lane open during daytime hours and limiting full closures to overnight periods only. Where overnight closures are necessary, a Standard Incident Diversion Route is implemented. This route is assessed and agreed by Police Scotland, Moray Council, and Amey. It is important to recognise that both the traffic management arrangements and the works themselves operate within a dynamic environment that can change on a daily basis. While no traffic management solution can completely eliminate delays, Amey will continue to monitor traffic conditions closely and make adjustments to temporary signal timings where appropriate. The aim is to achieve the best possible balance between traffic flow and project delivery, minimising impacts on all stakeholders while ensuring the works are carried out safely and efficiently.