BEAR Scotland has announced the recommencement of a programme of active travel and road safety improvement works on the A9 between Kessock Bridge and the B9161 Munlochy Junction.

The projects, which began in November 2022, are being carried out on behalf of Transport Scotland. Works were halted at North Kessock following an extended period of wintry weather at the start of the year, which resulted in teams being diverted to winter operations and emergency repairs. The remaining works will take six weeks to complete, with works at Munlochy being completed by 8 March and works at North Kessock being completed by 31 March.

The works at North Kessock involve improvements to the existing uncontrolled pedestrian and cycle crossing points to improve their safety and accessibility, bringing them in line with current design standards. Road lighting will also be upgraded to complement the already completed central reservation safety barrier works. At Munlochy Junction, mains electrical supplies to safety signs will be installed, whilst drainage investigation works will inform any future maintenance works.

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To ensure the safety of roadworkers and road users, single lane 2 (outside lane) closures will be in place on the A9 northbound and southbound carriageways each night between 7pm and 6am. For the first three weeks, single lane 2 closures will be extended north to Munlochy Junction. Convoy working will be required for a period of time at Munlochy Junction, but the junction will remain fully open during the lane closures.

The existing pedestrian and cycle crossing points will remain closed during the works, with diversions in place via Point Road, North Kessock. The existing National Cycle Route 1, adjacent to the A9 northbound, will also be closed for a period while the works take place, and there will be a signed diversion onto the alternative National Cycle Route 1 through North Kessock.

Eddie Ross, BEAR Scotland's NW Representative, said: "Works at North Kessock and Munlochy Junction are part of a package of road safety measures which will significantly improve the safety of all road users. The projects are an important investment for Transport Scotland and will bring real benefits to the local community and visitors. We apologise in advance for any delays experienced – we have planned the single lane closures for night time to minimise disruption.

"I encourage drivers to leave extra time for journeys and plan ahead by checking www.traffic.gov.scot."