As we move into the winter months, work will continue on a number of major projects designed to strengthen the resilience of Scotland’s trunk road network and improve the reliability of key routes across the North West. Alongside these significant infrastructure schemes, teams will also be delivering winter service operations to help keep road users moving safely during periods of challenging weather.

Keep reading to find out what’s coming up next in the North West:

Grittest hits

As temperatures fall and the risk of snow and ice increases, BEAR Scotland’s winter service teams will once again be working around the clock to help keep communities connected and journeys moving.

More than 35,000 tonnes of salt have been stockpiled across the region, with an 89-strong fleet and over 100 operatives ready to respond to snow, ice, flooding, high winds and other severe weather.

Behind the scenes, teams use detailed forecasts, information from 52 roadside weather stations and 24-hour monitoring to plan treatments and respond quickly when conditions change. Working day and night in all conditions, teams on the ground will be out treating roads, clearing snow and responding to weather-related incidents to help keep roads clear and open during the winter period.

Rock solid

A major programme of rock slope stabilisation works will continue on the A82 between Grotaig and Alltsigh this winter. The project is designed to improve the long-term resilience of the route by reducing the risk of loose rock reaching the carriageway.

The works include the scaling and removal of loose material from the hillside, installation of 2,160m² of face-anchored support mesh and around 600m² protective netting, helping to ensure this vital route remains safe and reliable for the communities, businesses and visitors who depend on it.

Following completion of ground investigations at Scrabster Braes on the A9, a debris flow barrier approximately 70 metres in length will be installed at the base of the slope adjacent to Scrabster Harbour. The barrier is designed to intercept material mobilised during periods of intense rainfall, reducing the risk of debris reaching the trunk road and helping to improve the long-term resilience of this important route.

Protecting access to Pitlochry

Work will continue through the winter on the A9 Tummel retaining wall replacement project at Pitlochry’s south junction. The scheme is improving the long-term resilience of the northbound off-slip road, which was damaged by riverbank erosion during extreme weather. By replacing and extending the retaining wall, the project will help safeguard this important connection and protect access to Pitlochry for years to come.

Preserving Highland heritage at The Mound

Restoration works at The Mound on the A9 are set to continue in the months ahead as part of a major project to refurbish the site’s historic sluice gates. The project will help preserve its heritage while ensuring it remains fit for purpose for future generations. Alongside the installation of refurbished gates, improvements to the surrounding masonry and operating mechanisms will help extend the life of this important piece of Highland infrastructure and support its long-term operation.