Since October 2021, BEAR Scotland has delivered over £14m of resurfacing, safety improvements and maintenance schemes on behalf of Transport Scotland across many different routes and structures on the North West trunk road network.

Over 20 resurfacing projects have been undertaken which included significant projects on the A82 adjacent to Loch Lomond, the A83 at Tayinloan and on the A85 west of Fowlis. The investment allowed for repairs across the network, creating a smoother and safer journey for road users.

Footway improvements got underway on the A82 through Tyndrum in November. The project involves upgrades taking place between Pine Trees Leisure Park and the Green Welly Stop. The works include footway resurfacing, kerb realignment and the installation of tactile paving. Once complete, the project will enhance pedestrian safety in the area.

A £960,000 bridge maintenance project on the A82 Kiachnish Bridge near Fort William also got underway in November. Specialist teams will be carrying out various activities within the watercourse, and particularly around the bridge abutments and piers.  The works will also see some debris clearance undertaken at the southern span of the bridge, such that the river is able to flow more uniformly beneath the structure, increasing flow capacity. The project is expected to be completed early 2022.

Road safety remains paramount at BEAR Scotland and road safety improvements on the A82 at Alltsigh beside Loch Ness were completed recently. The project involved teams installing 80 metres of new footway adjacent to the northbound carriageway of the A82, between the forest access at the Great Glen Way to a point opposite the Lochside Hostel, greatly improving pedestrian access and safety. The new footway will also connect the northbound and southbound bus stops in Alltsigh providing safer access to public transport.

Eddie Ross, BEAR Scotland’s North West Operating Company Representative said: “It has been a busy year at BEAR Scotland as our teams remain committed as ever to improving and maintaining trunk roads across North West Scotland.

“We want to thank the local communities and motorists for their continued patience while our teams worked to complete the programme of works throughout the year. Next year looks like it will be just as busy, however we will continue to schedule works to cause minimal disruption to motorists as much as possible.”

Real time traffic information is available from Traffic Scotland at www.trafficscotland.org or twitter @trafficscotland.