Improving pedestrian safety in Golspie

BEAR Scotland, on behalf of Transport Scotland, is proposing the installation of a new controlled “Puffin” pedestrian crossing on the A9 Main Street in Golspie to improve safety and accessibility for all road users.

This new crossing forms part of our ongoing efforts to make Scotland’s trunk road network safer and more inclusive for pedestrians and vulnerable road users.

Why a new crossing is needed

A series of traffic, pedestrian and topographical surveys carried out within Golspie highlighted a clear need for a safer and more convenient place to cross the A9 — particularly during peak times.

Following detailed review, the proposed location was chosen for its proximity to key local destinations including shops, the beach, and Golspie High School, which all experience regular pedestrian activity throughout the day.

What the project involves

Alongside the installation of the new controlled crossing, improvement works will include:

• Resurfacing of surrounding footways to improve accessibility and fix existing defects – extended to the gable end of Poppy’s Coffee Shop.
• Carriageway resurfacing to enhance skid resistance and overall safety.
• Street lighting replacement over the scheme extents.
• New and refreshed road markings, including double yellow lines and crossing markings, to ensure clear visibility for all road users – Monday 11 to Friday 15 May.

These improvements will help create a safer, more accessible, and user-friendly environment for both pedestrians and road users in Golspie.

Supporting a safer, slower Golspie

This proposal also supports Transport Scotland’s recent introduction of a 20mph speed limit through Golspie, and the wider area by the Highland Council. Working in conjunction with this initiative, the new pedestrian crossing is intended to further reinforce to drivers that this is a low-speed area, encouraging continued compliance with the reduced speed limit. The Highland Council continues to undertake regular speed monitoring surveys to assess vehicle speeds and ensure the effectiveness of these measures in promoting safer travel within Golspie.

Construction and timescales

The project is continuing, focussing on the footway works, installing pedestrian crossing apparatus, road resurfacing and road lining. Works are currently expected to last until Friday 22 May.

Overnight road resurfacing will be carried out from Tuesday 5 May between the hours of 7.30pm and 6am under three night shifts.

On Thursday 7 May, convoy operations will be in place from 7.30pm to 10:30pm to assist those accessing the polling station. From 10:30pm, the road closure will be reinstated with amnesties at 11:30pm, 12:30am, 2:30am and 4:30am with works expected to be completed by 6am on Friday 8 May.

New road markings will be carried out between Monday 11 and Friday 15 May using appropriate traffic management.

Get in touch

BEAR Scotland and Transport Scotland would like to thank the local community for their patience and understanding as we deliver these important improvements to Golspie’s infrastructure.

Should you wish to discuss the proposal or request further information at this stage, please do not hesitate to contact us via email at NWConsultation@bearscotland.co.uk.

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