Go ahead for Aviemore transport interchange

A £1.5 million project to significantly improve traffic movement in Aviemore is now set to get underway on site on 12 March.  A six-month contract for the Aviemore Transport Interchange was awarded to Morrison Construction on 22 January and preparations for the commencement of work are now underway. 

Involved is a reconstruction of the Station Square area to improve the environment for pedestrians and public transport users. New bus lay-bys and bus passenger shelters will be provided along with an enhanced paving layout.  Six taxi spaces are also incorporated to ensure that connecting passengers have a seamless journey.  There will also be public car parking and a drop off area. 

Associated works include a new roundabout at the High Range junction and accommodation works on the village green.  A funding package put together by The Highland Council’s Integrated Transport Manager has come from a variety of sources including £627,000 from the Scottish Executive’s Public Transport Fund, £370,000 from HIE Inverness and East Highland, £120,000 from the Railway Heritage Trust, and £125,000 from HITRANS. 

The balance of funding is coming from The Highland Council, which has also funded the development of the project.

The project has been designed by Highland Council’s Project Design Unit in conjunction with Paul Hogarth Landscape Architects.

Councillor Angus Gordon, Chairman of The Highland Council’s Badenoch and Strathspey Area Committee, warmly welcomed the progress on an exciting project for Aviemore. He said: “This is very good news indeed for our area. The new Transport Interchange will transform the experience for public transport users and this project demonstrates what can be achieved by funding agencies working together in partnership.”

Stuart Black, area director of HIE Inverness and East Highland said: “This is a vital project to improve Aviemore’s southern gateway and transport interchange. By contributing to these improved facilities and the village square we aim to enhance the town’s built environment to match the quality of its natural surroundings. We are delighted that this work can now get underway.”

Mrs. Audrey Mackenzie, Secretary of the Aviemore & Vicinity Community Council, said:  “We are delighted to know we have at last been given a firm date for the roundabout at the High Range Junction and for the upgrading of the Village Green where we will have a new performance stage and a site for the Olympians sculpture due to be unveiled by a well known sports personality in July/August 2007.”
 
Alex Burns-Smith, spokesman for Aviemore Business Association, said: “This major project is long overdue and although it will cause some disruption to the village, both the transport interchange and roundabout will be a huge improvement to the current traffic problems leading into the village and also at the railway station and outside the Cairngorms Hotel.

“The proposed roundabout at the junction of the road leading to the Cairngorms appears to be well planned and the landscaping on the edges and in the centre of the roundabout will make the entrance to the village attractive as will the Interchange at the railway station including the improvements to the Village Green.”