THIRD PHASE OF PEDESTRIAN SAFETY PROJECT ON A82 IN INVERNESS TO BEGIN NEXT WEEK FOR APPROXIMATELY 10 WEEKS

The third phase of a road safety project on the A82 in Inverness is set to get underway next week.

The project will involve teams improving the junction of Kenneth Street and Tomnahurich Street by upgrading the traffic signals and installing controlled pedestrian crossings over all four approaches of the junction. The project will also include improvements to the footway, carriageway resurfacing and new road markings, helping to improve road safety in the area.

This latest phase of the project follows on from the installation of new signalised pedestrian crossings on the A82 at Smith Avenue which has been operational since last year, as well as the recently installed crossing at Montague Row, which was completed in February.

The scheme is set to get underway from Tuesday 4 May and is expected to take ten weeks to complete, subject to weather conditions.

To ensure the safety of roadworkers and motorists, temporary traffic lights will be in place throughout the duration of the project. Due to the nature of the works, footway closures will be in place at times however temporary pedestrian access routes will be arranged to allow safe access past the site.

Strict physical distancing protocols, in line with Scottish Government COVID-19 guidance, will be in place to protect site personnel and the public for the duration of the project.

Eddie Ross, BEAR Scotland’s North West Representative, said: “We are pleased to see the third phase of this project on the A82 through Inverness get underway.

“Road safety is a top priority for BEAR Scotland and Transport Scotland, and this scheme on the A82 at the junction of Kenneth Street and Tomnahurich Street in Inverness is part of our commitment to improving pedestrian facilities on the trunk road network.

“Two new controlled crossing facilities were installed at Smith Avenue and Montague Row have been operational for a number of months now and were well received by users. This junction improvement will provide the local community with further safe crossing points at this busy junction on the A82 and will help support more journeys by walking and wheeling on the route.

“The traffic management arrangements proposed to facilitate construction are essential to protect our workforce as well as motorists and pedestrians. Due to the complex nature of the works required, temporary traffic signals will replace the permanent traffic signals, and these will operate 24 hours a day. To help minimise delays and inconvenience to the local community and motorists, we have planned the project to avoid the ongoing utilities work being carried out in the area as well as avoiding the peak tourist season.

“We encourage all road users to plan their journeys in advance by checking the Traffic Scotland website for up to date journey information as some delays are anticipated due to the location of the project.”

Real time journey information is available from Traffic Scotland on www.trafficscotland.org or twitter at @trafficscotland or the new mobile site my.trafficscotland.org