BEAR Scotland completed an £18 million programme of improvement works from October to December, 2023 on the North West Trunk Road network between planned maintenance, routine maintenance, bridge and road safety schemes delivered on behalf of Transport Scotland.

A whole range of projects have been undertaken, including a new pedestrian walkway at the A82 Connel Bridge, as well as a range of improvements on the A9, A82 and A87.

In December 2023 BEAR completed a £1.9 million project, constructing a cantilevered walkway to the east side of the A828 Connel Bridge. The walkway will maintain access for non-motorised users while bridge deck replacement works are undertaken next year. The upcoming project will involve the complete removal of the existing footpath and carriageway and the walkway will provide a safe access route across the Category B listed bridge during this time. Cyclists will be able to use the walkway but will need to dismount. The bridge deck replacement works are programmed for late 2024/25, subject to government funding. This ambitious project will involve the installation of a new steel deck, which will ensure the bridge – built in 1903 – continues to operate at the highest of standards. Until the new deck is installed, BEAR Scotland will continue to inspect and maintain the existing deck to ensure it remains functional to highway standards.

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Maintenance improvements included major investment in various locations on the A87 Isle of Skye, including Glen Torra, Kyleakin Roundabout, north of Sligachan and Borve. 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 included a major surfacing project worth £350,000 on the A82, south of the Fort Augustus swing bridge and 1,300,300 of improvements on the A9 from Alness to Tomich.

Safety measures focused on speed reduction were installed at the A9 at Golspie. To reduce the speed of traffic entering the village and support the introduction of a 20mph speed limit in Golspie in collaboration with The Highland Council, 40mph buffer zones were put in place, including traffic signs, road markings and new modular traffic islands.

Ian Stewart, BEAR Scotland's North West Representative, said: "The work we've completed across the North West trunk road network highlight our ongoing dedication to creating safer and smoother journeys for motorists, while ensuring the longevity of critical assets. I am proud of our team's incredible efforts, particularly in swiftly clearing the roads after recent storms."