The Project

The road

Map of the route

The opening of the Fochabers Bypass on 31 January 2012 marks completion of the new road ahead of schedule and on budget. This follows the opening of the Mosstodloch section of the road on 27 September 2011.

The new road comprises a single carriageway trunk road bypass of the towns of Fochabers and Mosstodloch, crossing the River Spey, in Morayshire, North East, Scotland.

There will be 5.1 km of single carriageway road with alternating overtaking opportunities in each direction and four roundabouts providing connection to the side road network and both communities.

The bypass will reduce traffic volumes considerably in Fochabers and Mosstodloch and at the same time address the adverse environmental impacts for the local community.

The Scottish Government awarded the Design and Build Contract for the Fochabers and Mosstodloch bypass to Morrison Construction in October 2009.

The route

The new bypass follows a route to the south of Mosstodloch, from a new roundabout at Cowfords to the west of the settlement, through Banacoul Wood, crossing the existing Rothes Road, and alongside the old railway whereupon it joins the existing A96 via a new roundabout at Coul Brae east of the town.

After crossing the existing New Fochabers Bridge over the River Spey, on the line of the existing A96, the new bypass follows a route to the north of Fochabers from a new roundabout at Spey Bay Road. From this new roundabout the bypass routes through the southern extent of the Gordon Castle Estate and links to the A98 road at a further new roundabout to the east of Fochabers; from which it continues to join the existing A96 alignment north east of the caravan park.

A drawing of the new route is available.

Background

The benefits of a trunk road bypass of Fochabers have long been recognised, with Orders made in both the 1950's and 1970's, both for a bypass route north of the town.

Preliminary studies for the current Scheme were commenced in 1994, identifying a preferred route by 1996. Near the end of 1999 a roads review confirmed the Scheme should proceed on this preferred route.

The details of the Scheme have been subject to considerable scrutiny and legal challenges which were resolved in July 2007. In accordance with the Scottish Ministers' requirements, further consultations were undertaken on the mitigation strategy through Gordon Castle Estate. Following the issue of consultation pamphlets and a public exhibition, a decision on these matters was finalised in February 2008, taking account of the views expressed.