A9/A96 Inshes to Smithton link road
What’s planned
The preferred route (Option 3, Variant B) includes:
- new junctions at Eastfield Way and Cradlehall
- a new link to Inverness Retail and Business Park
- a bridge over the Highland Main Line railway
- additional lanes across the A9 at Culloden Road
- an extra southbound lane between Raigmore Interchange and Inshes Junction
- improved facilities for cyclists and pedestrians, including:
- 3-metre shared surfaces on both sides of the carriageway
- dedicated cycleway and footway linking to Inverness Retail and Business Park
- connections to core paths, local paths and national cycle networks
Progress so far
- DMRB Stage 2 route options assessment completed in October 2017
- preferred option presented at public exhibitions in October–November 2017
- updated proposals shared at public events in May 2018
- preliminary ground investigations completed in May 2018
- DMRB Stage 3 assessment ongoing
- draft Orders expected to be published for formal comment
- delivery timeline depends on feedback and whether a Public Local Inquiry is required