Contractors RJ McLeod are continuing work to improve a road junction on the B9006 Croy to Clephanton road in the Highlands.

The new shape of the 650-metre 'leafy bends' route has now been unveiled and the road is expected to open in March 2017.

Large radius bends have been used for the new carriageway to avoid creating a long straight speeding opportunity. In addition, an existing band of Beech, Birch and Rowan trees have been maintained, along with the significant Scots Pine at the west of the site. Further landscaping works will include the planting of 800 young trees.

-- Advertisement --

Speaking after a recent visit to the project site, the council's Head of Infrastructure Colin Howell said: "This location at the bends is one of the worst accident black spots within Highland Council's road network and the B9006/B9091 route has a number of sections where the alignment is below the expected standard.

"The project has been in the Council's capital programme since 2012 and despite delays due to pressures on that programme, I am pleased that we are now delivering this improvement.

"I understand that the community has raised a number of concerns about road safety in the area and about the planning process for this particular section. My colleagues in the Project Design Unit have engaged with community representatives and listened to their concerns.

"Once completed, people will be able to drive the new section of road and experience for themselves the Council's improved road design and appreciate that it will be an attractive and much safer section of road."

(LM)