With summer in full swing, teams across BEAR Scotland’s North West Unit are continuing a busy programme of road maintenance and improvement works to help keep Scotland moving.

Between July and September, a wide range of schemes will take place across the trunk road network including surfacing and drainage improvements, ongoing rock face stabilisation works and essential structural repairs.

Here’s a snapshot of what’s planned over the coming months:

A9 Cromarty Bridge maintenance works

Around 20 weeks of work on the south end of Cromarty Bridge start from Monday 21 July to repair concrete and steel defects caused by corrosion.

The works will involve concrete repairs, bearing replacements, bridge joint modifications, installation of a corrosion prevention system, expansion joint replacement and resurfacing the road, ensuring long‑term structural integrity.

Learnings from previous works on Cromarty Bridge have been built into the planning for these improvements and have been designed to minimise traffic disruption.

Our design teams have taken account of big local events such as the Black Isle Show, Belladrum Tartan Heart Festival and the Moy Country Fair.

A828 Ledaig to Benderloch rock slope stabilisation

Vital rock slope stabilisation works on the A828 between Ledaig and Benderloch are ongoing, with the current phase now expected to complete by Saturday 2 August.

The programme has been extended due to unforeseen environmental and geological challenges, with works progress affected by protected roosting birds and a need for additional stabilisation measures identified from detailed inspections only possible after safety netting was installed.

Repairs are also being planned at two further locations on the rock slope, which may require additional traffic management later in the year.

A86 road resurfacing between Strathmashie and Roy Bridge

Overnight works at multiple locations along the A86 will resurface approximately 5.3km of the A86.  Works will take place nightly from Sunday 27 July to Thursday 11 September, between the hours of 7pm and 6am, with full road closures and timed amnesty periods provided to safely escort traffic through the sites.

These upgrades will improve road safety and provide a more durable carriageway, meaning fewer repairs in the future.

A9 Ralia Junction safety barrier installation

Overnight works to install new safety barriers at the A9 Ralia Junction will begin on Sunday 20 July and are to continue for ten nights. This project will improve safety for road users of the A9 and the junction.

As these works affect a key route to the highlands, we are aiming to minimise disruption during the busy tourist season by working at night and standing down our works at the weekend.

Keep an eye on our website and social media channels for regular updates on works in your area.