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In 1989 ASH design + assessment was appointed by Scott Wilson Kirkpatrick & Partners to examine the environmental issues related to alternative improvement options. In July 2001 Scott Wilson, with ASH, carried out a review of the possible phasing of improvements.
A9 at Helmsdale Improvements
Phase 1
An Environmental Statement was published for the Phase 1 proposed improvements in September 2002. Construction of the Phase 1 proposed improvements commenced in summer 2004.
Phase 2
A public exhibition and consultation process for Phase 2 took place in November 2002. Public response was canvassed by issuing questionnaires made available in Helmsdale, Latheron, Wick & Thurso, on three potential routes for the Phase 2 improvements. A Stage 2 Route Options Assessment report was prepared in May 2003.
The preferred A9 route was detailed in the Phase 2 Environmental Statement which was published in 2004 and is a development of the line which had overwhelming public support during the public consultation process and which was modified in October 2003.
In addition to the environmental impact assessment and landscape design work, ASH also prepared detailed landscape mitigation schemes for both phases. These included innovative proposals for cut slope stabilisation and snow shelter planting.
