BEAR Scotland continued to deliver a wide-ranging programme of improvements across the North West trunk road network this summer, investing £29.8m from Transport Scotland. Between July and September, teams completed a broad range of maintenance and improvement works from road surfacing and drainage to safety and resilience projects that will benefit communities and road users for years to come.

Miles better

Resurfacing remained a major focus across the North West trunk road network before the worst of the wintry weather hits, with significant investment targeted at some of Scotland’s busiest and most strategically important routes.

More than 6.2km of carriageway was renewed on the A9 alone, a significant investment that is improving ride quality, safety and long-term reliability for road users.

Significant schemes included resurfacing on the A82 between Arden Roundabout and Luss, the A83 between Tarbert and Inveraray, the A86 near Loch Laggan, the A84 at Callander and Stirling, and multiple locations on the A9.

This sustained investment is helping to maintain and improve the condition of the trunk road network, delivering smoother journeys and extending the lifespan of key routes across the Highlands, Perthshire and Argyll.

Resilient routes

Work continued on several projects designed to improve the resilience of the trunk road network.

Following erosion which threatened the safety barrier, an embankment alongside the A83 at Butterbridge was successfully reconstructed using free-draining rockfill to restore stability and manage water run-off.

Rock slope stabilisation projects progressed at several locations across the North West network during the quarter. At Ledaig on the A828, works continued to improve the resilience of the hillside above the trunk road, while works got underway on the A82 between Grotaig and Alltsigh with site set-up works and vegetation clearance. Ground investigations also got underway near Scrabster on the A9, helping to inform future improvements that will protect this important route and support harbour operations.

Meanwhile, drainage improvement projects were completed at locations including the A9 between Tomich and Broomhill and at Loth, as well as on the A85 at Derry Wood, helping reduce flooding risks and improve network performance during periods of heavy rainfall.

Signs of progress

Improving road safety remained a key focus throughout the quarter, with several signage improvement projects completed at locations including A9 Dalnaspidal, A9/A86 Kingussie junctions and A835 Ullapool Braes junction. These schemes improve visibility and driver awareness, helping road users navigate key junctions more safely.

At Kincardine in Menteith Primary School, work progressed on new footways, crossing points and upgraded school warning signs to improve safety for pupils and families. A 40mph temporary speed limit was introduced on the A82 in the vicinity of the Clansman Hotel to improve road safety during the busy tourist season

Safety barriers were upgraded at several locations, including Dalrigh Junction on the A82 and along almost 2km of the A9 between Tore and Arpafeelie. These improvements provide greater protection for road users and bring the infrastructure up to modern standards.

Supporting walking, wheeling and cycling

At Raigmore Interchange in Inverness, work was completed on a major active travel project that introduced improved facilities for non-motorised users, including signal-controlled crossings and a new pathway. The scheme will make journeys safer and more accessible for people travelling on foot, by bike or using mobility aids.

In Spittal, new footways, upgraded lighting and improved crossing facilities were delivered to help residents move around the village safely. Further progress was also made on signal-controlled crossing projects in Campbeltown, while accessibility improvements continued on the A85 between Perth and Lochty and at Appin and Crianlarich.

From resurfacing roads and improving drainage to enhancing safety and active travel facilities, BEAR Scotland continued to deliver a wide-ranging programme of improvements across the North West trunk road network throughout the summer. These investments are helping to create safer, smoother and more resilient journeys for the communities, businesses and visitors who rely on Scotland’s trunk roads every day.