B9006 Corridor Study – Improving Bus Travel in Inverness
We commissioned a transport study to explore ways to improve bus travel along the B9006 corridor, from Birchwood Road to Raigmore Hospital in Inverness.
The study followed the Scottish Transport Appraisal Guidance (STAG) and was carried out by AECOM. It was overseen by a client group made up of representatives from:
- The Highland Council
- HITRANS
- Transport Scotland
Why the B9006?
The B9006 is a key route for commuters, especially at the Inshes roundabout (B9006/A8082), which regularly experiences heavy congestion. The corridor serves several major employment sites, including:
- Raigmore Hospital – approx. 5,000 employees
- Inverness Campus – approx. 1,000 students and staff
- LifeScan – approx. 1,000 employees
- Beechwood Business Park – approx. 500 employees
- Inshes Retail Park – approx. 250 employees
- Police HQ – approx. 300 employees
Study objectives
The study was funded by the Bus Partnership Fund (BPF). Its main aim was to:
- Improve bus journey times and reliability along the B9006
- Develop and assess bus priority options
- Address the decline in bus use
- Support integration with active travel and other sustainable transport modes
What the study involved
The study followed a structured STAG process:
- Case for Change – understanding the problems and opportunities
- Preliminary Options Appraisal – identifying and assessing potential solutions
- Detailed Options Appraisal – evaluating the most promising options
Building on existing work
The study was built on previous work and aligned with other local and regional transport plans, including:
- Active travel improvements along the B9006
- The Highland Council’s emerging transport strategy
- Inner Moray Firth Local Development Plan
- Inshes junction improvements
- Inshes to Smithton link road
- Raigmore bus gate
- Raigmore junction to Old Perth Road improvements
- Wider corridor planning, including Millburn Road and Academy Street
This coordinated approach ensures that improvements along the B9006 support wider goals for bus priority and active travel across Inverness.