Choice of designs for new A9 Spey bridge go on show

Exclusive: Infrastructure secretary pledges to listen to local feedback

These are the options for a newRiver Spey bridge near Kingussie as part of the dualling of the A9.

The images will be on public display at exhibitions today in Kingussie and Newtonmore to demonstrate the choice of crossings for the Spey on the 12-mile stretch between Crubenmore and Kincraig.

Infrastructure Secretary Keith Brown said: “With construction well underway on the Kincraig to Dalraddy scheme, the first section out of around 80 miles to be dualled, we are now seeking views on this challenging section which includes the River Spey and Insh Marshes, both internationally important in terms of their protected environmental status.

“The River Spey is a Special Area of Conservation supporting important populations of Atlantic salmon, sea lamprey, freshwater pearl mussels and otter.

“Any crossing of the river as part of a dualled route will require either a newbridgeoranadditional or extended bridge to take the extra carriageway.

“In developing the crossing options at this point we are considering factors such as the local environment, pr o x i m i ty to Ruthven Barracks and its location within the flood plain. Before taking any decisions on what is the most practical and suitable bridge design, we want to hear from locals and road users.”

He promised that the feedback would be considered before developing a preferred route option for the section between Crubenmore and Kincraig late next year.

Seeing Transport Scotland’s three options last night for the first time, Kingussie Community Council secretary Val Emmett said: “My personal preference would be for option three because it’s the last invasive, both on the marshtable itselfandprobably also to local wildlife that might want to pass from one side to the other. It’s the most streamlined.

“Option two has fewer arches, but it’s too clunky, the sides of the bridge are too invasive, too heavy.

“Option three would impact on wildlife the least.”

Today’s exhibition is from noon to 8pm at Newtonmore Village Hall.

Tomorrow, it switches to Tal l a Nan Ros in Kingussie between 11am and 7pm.

“We are now seeking views on this challenging section”