A new road safety project at the popular visitor area of Sligachan on the Isle of Skye has been announced, with the first phase set to get underway next week.
The project will involve the installation of a new bus layby on the A87 opposite Sligachan Hotel and a section of new footway over a length of 125 metres to greatly improve pedestrian access and safety at this location. In addition, works will also be undertaken to upgrade the drainage system, safety barriers, road signs at the location. Surfacing improvements and new road markings on the A87 will also provide safety benefits for all road users on this section of the trunk road.
The project is set to begin on Monday 22 March and will be delivered in two phases. The initial phase will involve the extension of an existing culvert located beneath the trunk road and realignment of the associated watercourse, which is expected to take one week to complete. The second phase of work, including the installation of the bus stop and footway, will then be undertaken from Monday 19 April, with all works anticipated to be complete within a period of five weeks from that date.
To ensure the safety of roadworkers and motorists, temporary traffic lights will be in place during each phase. Temporary pedestrian access will be arranged for the duration of the works to maintain a safe route through the site.
BEAR Scotland has been in contact with all relevant stakeholders to inform them of the project and share information on the traffic management arrangements that will be required to complete the works.
Strict physical distancing protocols, in accordance with Scottish Government COVID-19 guidance, will be implemented to protect operatives, such that they remain safe at all times.
Eddie Ross, BEAR Scotland’s North West Representative, said: “Trunk road safety is a top priority for Transport Scotland and BEAR Scotland, and we’re pleased to begin works to install the new bus layby and footway on the A87 at Sligachan, which will make a real difference to public transport access and pedestrian safety at this location.
“The traffic management required to facilitate these works is essential, protecting our workforce and road users alike, and we encourage all road users to comply with any signs or temporary arrangements in place while our teams do all they can to complete the project as quickly and safely as possible.
“We advise all road users to plan their journeys in advance by checking the Traffic Scotland website for up to date journey information.”
Real-time journey information is available from Traffic Scotland on www.trafficscotland.org, twitter at @trafficscotland or mobile site my.trafficscotland.org.
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