BEAR Scotland's North West Unit has commenced its extensive summer programme of road maintenance and improvement works across the trunk road network. From July through September, a variety of schemes are planned, encompassing crucial surfacing and drainage upgrades, ongoing rock face stabilisation, and essential structural repairs, all aimed at enhancing road safety and connectivity.

Key projects slated for the coming months include:

• A9 Cromarty Bridge Maintenance: Commencing Monday, 21 July, approximately 20 weeks of work will address concrete and steel defects on the south end of Cromarty Bridge. This involves concrete repairs, bearing replacements, bridge joint modifications, installation of a corrosion prevention system, expansion joint replacement, and road resurfacing. Planning has incorporated lessons from previous works and considered major local events to minimise disruption.

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• A828 Ledaig to Benderloch Rock Slope Stabilisation: Vital rock slope stabilisation works are ongoing, with the current phase now expected to conclude by Saturday, 2 August. The extension is due to unforeseen environmental and geological challenges, including protected roosting birds and the need for additional stabilisation measures identified after safety netting installation. Further repairs at two more locations on the rock slope are being planned for later in the year, which may require additional traffic management.

• A86 Road Resurfacing between Strathmashie and Roy Bridge: Overnight works will resurface approximately 5.3km of the A86. Taking place nightly from Sunday, 27 July, to Thursday, 11 September (between 19:00 and 06:00), these works will involve full road closures with timed amnesty periods to escort traffic safely. These upgrades are designed to improve road safety and provide a more durable carriageway.

• A9 Ralia Junction Safety Barrier Installation: Overnight works to install new safety barriers at the A9 Ralia Junction began on Sunday, 20 July, and will continue for ten nights. This project aims to improve safety for road users of the A9 and the junction. Works are conducted at night and stood down at weekends to minimise disruption during the busy tourist season.

These projects are part of BEAR Scotland's ongoing commitment to maintaining and improving Scotland's vital road infrastructure.