Whilst the summer months are typically expected to bring more favourable conditions for road maintenance and improvement works, that’s not always the case in Scotland! Despite occasional challenges, our teams have maintained momentum, delivering a wide range of essential improvements across the North West trunk road network.

With an investment of over £48m from Transport Scotland, a wide range of works were completed between April and June, from structural repairs and safety upgrades to road surfacing and drainage enhancements, all of which help keep routes safe, reliable and resilient.

Read on for an overview of the activity delivered between April and June, highlighting how our teams have kept the network moving.

Operation co-ordination

Originally constructed in 1972, the Helmsdale New Bridge that carries the A9 over the River Helmsdale, was recent the subject of a range of inspection and maintenance activities, many of which were carried out simultaneously. These included expansion joint replacement on the deck surface, bridge inspections using specialist lifting equipment, abutment maintenance, and graffiti removal from the concrete columns. With multiple sub-contractors operating in parallel, the project required close collaboration and careful coordination, enabling successful delivery within agreed timescales.

Swinging into action

After 25 years of unwavering service, the central pintle bearing on the Laggan Swing Bridge was in need of replacement. This bearing is a vital component of the bridge as it supports the weight of the structure when it is swung into the open position.

To minimise disruption to road users on the A82 and vessel traffic using the Caledonian Canal as much as possible, the project was undertaken at night. The bridge had to be lifted using specialist equipment. Our teams took this opportunity to inspect the swing bridge for any hidden defects before a brand-new pintle bearing was installed. The bridge was reset to the correct level, and the road was reopened successfully.

Smooth sailing

Summer weather and longer daylight hours typically provide more favourable conditions for road resurfacing works. Our Planned Maintenance Team made the most of every opportunity, laying more than 21.7km of new road surface across the North West trunk road network between April and June.

Resurfacing was completed on key routes including the A83, A84, A9 and A85, helping to improve their reliability, resilience and long-term performance.

Delivering this scale of work required a significant effort from teams across the region. On the A84 alone, more than 1.8km of carriageway was resurfaced at Cambusbeg, Kilmahog, Blackdub Farm, Aberfoyle and Kirkton Wood, with works completed safely and to a high standard. Meanwhile, on the A9, teams successfully delivered over 9.4km of new road surface, demonstrating their dedication, adaptability and commitment to keeping the network in good condition.

Best foot forward

Active travel upgrades continued throughout April, May and June, with teams progressing with new footpaths and safer crossings at points across the network. Works included the ongoing construction of a new footpath along the A9 connecting Spittal to the local village hall, as well as a short footway link and street lighting adjustments on the A86 in Newtonmore.  In Campbeltown, two signalised pedestrian crossings were progressed on the A83 Kinloch Road to improve safety and accessibility for people in the area.

Another significant active travel project has continued at Raigmore Interchange, Inverness, where works are progressing to improve facilities for non-motorised users. The project involves the introduction of traffic signal control on the roundabout (including pedestrian crossings) and a wider, shared-use footpath as well as upgrades to the street lighting, road surface, and road markings. While the delivery of the scheme has had to be coordinated around essential gas main replacement works, close collaboration between our teams and SGN enabled a revised programme to be developed, allowing the gas works to be carried out while also keeping the active travel project moving forward.  Once complete, the improvements will provide safer and more convenient routes for pedestrians and cyclists travelling through the interchange.