From October to December over £14M has been invested in the North West Trunk Road network between planned maintenance, minor improvements, bridge and road safety schemes delivered on behalf of Transport Scotland.

A whole range of projects have been undertaken, including road safety improvements at the A9/B9161 Munlochy junction, to prohibit the right turn manoeuvre northwards from the B9161 road onto the A9 northbound carriageway to Tore. The scheme was part of a package of measures carried out by BEAR Scotland on behalf of Transport Scotland to improve the safety and operation of the junction, which has been an area of concern for road users. The prohibition of the right turn was one of the favoured options during public consultations undertaken as part of the North Kessock to Tore study.

Maintenance improvements included various locations on the Isle of Skye, including Skulamus Bridge, Armadale Junction, Ben Lee (north of Sligachan), Sligachan to Ben Lee, Torra Michaig and north of Portree. These surfacing improvements have addressed and repaired deterioration in the road surface such as potholes or cracks, creating safer and smoother journeys for road users. The programme also includes a major surfacing project worth £1.8 million for the A9 south of Pitlochry.

BEAR Scotland also delivered a £267k package of active travel improvements at the A9 North Kessock in Inverness. The project improved the safety and accessibility of the existing pedestrian and cycle crossing, as well as bringing them in line with current design standards. The central reservation safety barriers and road lighting were also upgraded.

Safety barriers were upgraded on the A9 dual carriageway at Drumochter. The large safety project began in early December and will continue until January. The £237k Transport Scotland investment involves upgrading and installing safety barriers in the central reservation, providing safer journeys for all users.

Eddie Ross, BEAR Scotland’s North West Representative, said: “We remain committed to ensuring trunk roads across the North West of Scotland are maintained to the highest of standards. It’s been a busy period over the autumn with a number of projects being carried out ahead of winter.

“Our teams have worked hard to complete a variety of schemes ranging from major surfacing improvements, maintenance works and road safety upgrades.

“We would like to thank all road users and the local communities for their continued patience. We understand some frustrations can arise; however, we carefully plan projects with a view to minimising disruption as much as possible.”