Bus Partnership Fund Projects

B9006 Bus Priority (STAG Appraisal)

Overview

We have commissioned AECOM to conduct a study based on Scottish Transport Appraisal Guidance (STAG) for the B9006 transport corridor, from Birchwood Road to Raigmore Hospital in Inverness. The Client Group will comprise representatives of Highland Council, HITRANS and Transport Scotland.

The B9006 Corridor is a route heavily congested by car-based commuters, particularly at the Inshes roundabout (B9006/A8082 intersection). The importance of the B9006 is highlighted by the fact there are several major employment destinations at Inshes including

• Beechwood Business Park (estimated 500 employees)
• Inshes Retail Park (estimated 250 employees)
• Inverness Campus (estimated 1,000 employees and students)
• LifeScan (estimated 1,000 employees)
• Police HQ (estimated 300 employees)
• Raigmore Hospital (estimated 5,000 employees)

The principal objective of the study – which is being funded through Transport Scotland’s Bus Partnership Fund (BPF) – is to develop and appraise options to enhance bus priority along the B9006 corridor, in order to improve bus journey times and journey time reliability. Options considered as part of the study should also address the decline in bus patronage and consider integration with other sustainable transport modes. This will be undertaken by means of a proportionate and robust STAG appraisal, comprising of Case for Change, Preliminary Options Appraisal and Detailed Options Appraisal.

The study will build upon the existing body of work contained within the initial funding application submitted to the BPF and other work undertaken in the area, including the following:

• Active Travel links on B9006 corridor and surrounding area
• Highland Council emerging transport strategy
• Inner Moray Firth local development plan
• Inshes junction improvement
• Inshes to Smithton link road
• Raigmore bus gate
• Raigmore junction to Old Perth Road
• Wider perspective looking at both Millburn corridor and Academy street ensuring the corridor from Birchwood road to the city centre is aligned with the BPF element as well as other active projects on these corridors for both bus priority and active travel. 

Tell us what you think

We want to understand how you currently travel into Inverness city centre, why you travel this way, and what could make it easier to choose to travel sustainably. Your feedback is important as your answers will feed into designs at the next stage. The information on the study was presented at an in-person public drop-in event at the Spectrum Centre, Farraline Park Bus Station, Inverness , on Wednesday the 14th of December 2022 where members of the study team were available to answer any questions from the Public.

Last update: 05 January 2023