As we move into the second half of the year, we’re reflecting on a busy and productive spring at BEAR Scotland. Between April and June 2025, Transport Scotland invested a total of £27 million in the North West trunk road network, undertaking maintenance and improvement activities, and enhancing road safety and travel reliability.

Seasonal challenges and maintenance response

Contending with Mother Nature is a year-round challenge on Scotland’s trunk roads. The harsh winter months take their toll, with freezing temperatures and heavy rainfall contributing to the formation of potholes and cracks. Spring and summer bring their own demands. Rapid vegetation growth can obscure signs and reduce visibility. Our teams work tirelessly all year round, carrying out prompt patching and resurfacing to repair winter damage as well as undertaking landscaping maintenance to keep on top of vegetation growth, keeping routes clear and safe for road users.

Laying the groundwork for smoother journeys

Thankfully, the shift in weather also provides more favourable conditions for resurfacing works, allowing our contractors to lay new asphalt more efficiently to a high-quality finish. Last quarter, we delivered an extensive programme of resurfacing works across the North West trunk road network, including a total of 10.5 kilometres on the A9 alone.

Tackling rock fall risks

After a series of rockfalls across the North West trunk road network, remedial works to remove vegetation, anchor rocks and install mesh have been undertaken at three locations – A830 Rannochan, A85 Loch Awe and A82 Corran Ferry. Additionally, works on the A82 at Grotaig were completed in May after inspections and assessments identified this area as potentially unstable, with a risk of rockfall incidents. Our specialist subcontractor installed 5,400m² of drapery netting and 6,000m² of support mesh to stabilise the rock slope.

Brighter nights ahead

In addition, a street lighting refurbishment project has started on the A82 from the south of Fort William to West End roundabout. The complete replacement of existing lighting columns and the underground cabling network means that residents and road users alike will benefit from better visibility when the darker nights start closing in again.

Keeping crossings strong

Meanwhile, the bridges team carried out masonry parapet, safety barrier and fencing repairs at three crown property structures on the A82 – Drumbuie, Killianan, and Spean Bridges. The team also carried out detailed bearing investigations on four bridges, using sensors and inclinometers to monitor structural movement and guide future maintenance priorities. Our specialists are also progressing a range of complex and high-priority schemes on some of the network’s major bridges and responding to challenges along the way. The major blasting and painting works on Kessock Bridge are going well after lead-based paint was safely removed using chemical peel techniques. Strengthening work has also progressed in the north west and south west  towers. Connel Bridge had to be closed for short periods on Friday 27 June to allow a beam to be made safe following a bridge strike. Furthermore, concrete conditions on Findhorn Bridge turned out to be worse than originally anticipated, with more extensive refurbishment works required prior to the bridge deck being re-waterproofed and surfaced. Traffic is flowing well under contraflow, meaning work is being carried out with minimal disruption.

Paving the way

Over the last few months, the routine maintenance team has made significant improvements to footways, cycleways, signage, and drainage systems on the North West network. The footpath on Millknowe Road in Campbeltown was successfully reconstructed, improving safety and accessibility for residents. Several sign maintenance schemes were completed, including new ‘No Parking’ signs to deter queuing on the A84 near Loch Lubnaig at the entrance of a local café’s car park. Major pipe remediation and CCTV surveys were carried out on the A9 between Longman and Raigmore junctions, as well as filter drain repairs near Trinafour Junction. These combined efforts help ensure safer and more resilient routes for all road users.

Safer roads for all

The Strategic Road Safety team has been busy delivering targeted improvements to enhance safety and driver awareness across key routes. Recent work includes the installation of a new pedestrian crossing with updated signage and traffic controls to improve safety at Helmsdale on the A9. Additionally, clearer signage was added on the A9 at Crubenmoreand on the A87 between Auchtertyre and Kyle, helping drivers better anticipate road layouts and bends.

The active travel team has made significant progress widening existing cycleways, improving accessibility, and upgrading signal-controlled junctions to create safer, more convenient routes for pedestrians and cyclists on the A830 at Banavie. Despite some weather-related delays and technical challenges, works, including resurfacing, road markings, and installation of permanent traffic signals were progressed. These improvements are designed to enhance the overall experience and safety for all active travel users along the route.