HITRANS welcomes go ahead for airport

Planning approval for the first phase of a new railway station at Inverness Airport, Dalcross, has been warmly welcomed by HITRANS, the regional transport partnership.

Partnership Manager Frank Roach said: “The granting of detailed planning permission is an important milestone in bringing this exciting project to fruition. It is a key component in the master plan to see the Highlands grow to the east of Inverness, providing a boost for users of the airport, the growing local community and the general travelling public.”

The application sets out plans for a single platform on the north side of the Inverness – Aberdeen railway line, extending to 173 metres in length and 3 metres in width. Facilities include shelters , real time passenger information and ticket machines.

Included in the first phase will be car parking for 150 vehicles and a park and ride service between the station and airport terminal.

The application features a requirement for the closure of the nearby Dalcross (Petty) level crossing – on the instruction of Network Rail – -due to its proximity to the proposed station.

The design of the station will allow for a second phase of development to include twin tracking of this section of the line and a second platform.

An inevitable consequence of the development of the railway stop at Inverness Airport is the closure of the Dalcross (Petty) Level Crossing. Surveys have demonstrated that the level of existing usage is extremely low, equating to an average of 30 2-way vehicle trips per day and an average of 3 2-way pedestrian trips per day.

A transport assessment carried out for HITRANS states: “When considering the wider economic and transport benefits to the Inner Moray Firth and Highland Region, the new Inverness Airport (Dalcross) Station will bring, it is considered that the closure of Dalcross (Petty) Level Crossing to enable this is acceptable. There will be safety benefits associated with the crossing closure itself and consultation with the various emergency services has indicated that there would be little or no impact on their ability to serve the local area as a consequence.”

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