As we head into the colder months, BEAR Scotland’s North West Unit is continuing to deliver a busy programme of maintenance, improvements and winter operations designed to keep trunk roads safe, reliable and resilient.

Despite challenging weather conditions, shorter daylight hours and fluctuating temperatures across some of Scotland’s most exposed routes, our teams will persevere with surfacing, drainage, bridge and slope-stabilisation schemes across the region.

Here’s a snapshot of what’s coming up over the next few months:

Strengthening slopes at Scrabster

Located at the northernmost point on the A9, Scrabster Braes span approximately 700 metres of road leading towards Scrabster Harbour. The steep slopes in this area are prone to movement, having experienced several landslides over a number of years. Ground investigations have recently been completed in this location, marking an important step forward in developing a long-term solution for the site. Our teams are working hard to progress the installation of catch fences to enhance slope stability and safety. Whilst development work continues on these new features, roadside wall repair works will begin shortly to help keep this vital route to the harbour open.

Coming up at Kessock and Cromarty

Refurbishment and maintenance works have continued on the Kessock and Cromarty Bridges, with strong collaboration between BEAR Scotland and contractors ensuring progress and minimal disruption. At Kessock, teams are preparing for weld inspections and pigeon mitigation works, while also exploring LED lighting upgrades to improve energy efficiency and reduce long-term costs.

At Cromarty Bridge, the next phase of the refurbishment strategy will see the installation of bespoke bridging units on the carriageway in late October and November. These will support night and weekend works to install cathodic protection and continuity joints, marking another key milestone in the ongoing improvement programme for the bridge.

Smoother journeys ahead

Resurfacing trunk roads in the north west of Scotland comes with unique challenges, particularly in Winter. Throughout October, November and December, our teams will contend with shorter daylight hours and wintry conditions, but will seek to deliver extensive works on key routes including the A87 and A85. Projects at various locations on the A82 will see an investment of more than £1million over the winter months. In addition, almost £700,000 is being injected into surfacing on the A85, with a further investment of over £350,000 planned to improve driving conditions around the Portree area on the A87.

Keep an eye on our website and @NWTrunkRoads on X for upcoming works.