Work to improve the A9 at Berriedale Braes is planned to start in 2018.

Made Orders have been published for the A9 Berriedale Braes improvement scheme, which aims to redevelop a section of the road to the north of Inverness.

The difficult route means HGVs driving in opposite directions cannot pass on the hairpin bend as one vehicle takes up most of the carriageway in order to negotiate the junction. The purpose of the improvement scheme is to remove the hairpin bend and improve the alignment.

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Transport Minister Humza Yousaf said: "The Scottish Government has been working to progress the much-needed improvements to the A9 at Berriedale Braes.

"The hairpin bend and steep hill at Berriedale Braes has presented drivers, in particular HGVs and other long vehicles with a very challenging road to negotiate.

"Having got the go ahead last December following the Public Local Inquiry, we are now able to publish the Made Orders for the scheme as a clear signal of our commitment to deliver this scheme. Subject to completing the statutory procedures, we expect to start the procurement process for the main construction contract for this project later this year with works planned to start in 2018."

(LM/CD)