UPDATE: Further to our release of 4 July, and following further stakeholder engagement,  regarding improvements to the footways at the junction of A9 and Old Caithness Helmsdale, the programming and traffic management for the works has been amended.

• Improvements will be made to the footway at the A9/Old Caithness Road junction

• Three-way temporary traffic signals at the A9/Old Caithness Road junction from Monday 22 July for up to six weeks during working hours; Monday to Friday, 8am to 4pm

• The junction at A9 and Old Caithness Road with remain open for the duration of the works

• Temporary traffic lights will be removed outwith working hours if safe to do so

On behalf of Transport Scotland and in conjunction with Highland Council, BEAR Scotland will commence work to improve pedestrian facilities at the junction between the A9 and Old Caithness Road in Helmsdale. These works are due to start on Monday 22 July 2024 and will last up to six weeks.

Work will be undertaken between the hours of 8am and 4pm and temporary traffic lights will be in place to ensure the safety of the roadworkers, pedestrians, and road users. The junction between Old Caithness Road and the A9 will remain open whilst work is being carried out.

BEAR Scotland have been working with the local community and stakeholders to make them aware of the traffic management arrangements.

These improvements involve the installation of a one-way traffic system and the realignment of the footway on both the north and south sides of Old Caithness Road where it meets the A9.

As the works involve widening the footway on the south side of Old Caithness Road, additional drainage will be installed to ensure that water does not pool at the junction. There will also be improvements made to signage to emphasise local facilities.

Once the works are completed, vehicles will no longer be permitted to turn from the A9 to Old Caithness Road and will be redirected via Strathnaver Street or the A897 Dunrobin Street / Golf Road for larger vehicles.

Ian Stewart, BEAR Scotland’s North West Representative, said “At BEAR Scotland, safety is our top priority. Not only will these improvements allow for additional space for pedestrians to cross, the works will also improve visibility of oncoming vehicles for pedestrians crossing the A9.

“The visibility improvements will also benefit the school crossing patroller that currently operates in an area with a restricted view along the A9.”

Real time journey information is available from Traffic Scotland on www.traffic.gov.scot, X @trafficscotland or on the mobile site my.trafficscotland.org.