Since the start of this year approximately £20M has been invested by Transport Scotland, allowing for smoother and safer journeys for road users across routes in the North West.

Resurfacing projects were completed across a number of routes throughout the network including on the A82, A86, A85, A83 and A9.

The first phase of major surfacing improvements across two sections of the A82 near Glencoe was completed recently. The first phase of works involved teams resurfacing over 1.1km of the A82 at Loch Archtriochtan. The second phase is currently nearing completion and once finished it will see over 2km of the A82 west of Alnafeadh upgraded.

Over 1.6km of safety barrier was installed along sections of the A85 between Connel and Kilmaronaig. The new safety barriers have been designed to improve road user safety and in addition to the works, new advance warning signage was also installed on the approaches to a number of bends.

£10,000 worth of drainage improvements on busy sections of the A9 were completed recently. The project involved teams upgrading the drainage systems at Inshes and Bogbain Junctions near Inverness. Works will ensure the continued safe operation of this section of the network.

in order that disruption to road users was minimised as much as possible essential maintenance was completed overnight on two bridges that carry the A82 over the Caledonian Canal. The maintenance involved the replacement of the hydraulically operated nose wedges that support the ends of Fort Augustus and Laggan Swing Bridges allowing both bridges to continue operating safely.

Eddie Ross, BEAR Scotland’s North West Representative, said: “Winter has provided its challenges when it comes to planning projects, however it has been a very busy start to the year for all our teams. Adverse weather can often accelerate the deterioration of the road surface and we’ve had to bring resurfacing schemes forward in the programme to address areas showing significant rapid deterioration.

“We want to thank the local communities and road users for their continued patience throughout the year while our teams worked to complete the programme of improvements and repairs.”