Preparatory work starts next week (19 May) on a multi-million pound road improvement scheme that will benefit local communities and drivers alike on the key route between Aberdeen and Inverness.

Ground investigations for the A96 Fochabers & Mosstodloch Bypass project will be carried out by contractor Ritchies on behalf of national transport agency Transport Scotland.

The A96 is a busy route in this area and this scheme will benefit the local community by reducing traffic volumes considerably in Fochabers and Mosstodloch while at the same time improving safety and addressing environmental impacts.

These ground investigations, expected to last four weeks, will provide vital information about ground conditions and will help shape the final design for the by-pass.

Ewan Borthwick, Transport Scotland Project Manager, said:

"The A96 Fochabers & Mosstodloch Bypass is an important scheme for the north east. These investigations are an important step in gathering the information necessary to help the project move to the next phase."

The works will take place west of Cowfords Farm and continue through Mosstodloch & Fochabers east-bound towards Keith.

To allow work to be carried out safely, temporary traffic management is required including a single lane closure and a 30 mph speed limit.  Drivers are urged to show care when passing the site, pay attention to signage and to allow extra time for journeys.

On completion of the investigations, the A96 Fochabers & Mosstodloch Bypass is expected to move to the tender process in early summer 2008; construction work should start in early 2009 and the scheme reach final completion in mid to late 2010.

For further information see A96 Fochabers & Mosstodloch