BEAR Scotland, Transport Scotland’s trunk road operating company, is carrying out a major road resurfacing project at six key locations along the A87 in Skye. The works aim to enhance road safety and improve driving conditions for all road users.

The project began on Monday 18 September and is now expected to be completed by the morning of Thursday 2 November (dependant on weather conditions). Work will be carried out overnight, between 7pm and 7am, excluding weekends (Saturdays and Sundays).

Due to the narrow road widths in some sections of the A87, there will be temporary road closures to ensure the safety of the workforce and road users. As part of these safety measures, the A87 will be closed in both directions from 7pm to 7am. During these closure periods, escorted access through the site will be provided for waiting vehicles at 8pm, 9pm, 10pm, 11pm, 12pm, 2am and 4am. Emergency service vehicles will have continuous access and public transport will be accommodated as much as possible.

Residential access within the affected closures will be maintained whenever feasible.

The following sites will experience closures during the night on these specified dates:

Scheme Name                                              Start                     End

A87 Borve                                                18-Sep-23         25-Sep-23

A87 North of Sligachan/Caiplach        26-Sep-23          24-Oct-23

A87 Glen Torra                                       25-Oct-23          26-Oct-23

A87 Kyleakin Roundabout                    30-Oct-23          1-Nov-23

At two other sites, road widths permit the road to remain open during works, with traffic management including temporary traffic lights and a 10mph convoy system in place. These measures will be removed outside of working hours, with a 30mph speed limit to ensure safety on the temporary road surface. These measures will be implemented at:

Scheme Name                             Start                    End

A87 Kyleakin Quarry              27-Oct-23           27-Oct-23

A87 North of Broadford        Postponed until March 2024

Ian Stewart, BEAR Scotland’s North West Representative, said, “We understand the potential disruption and inconvenience caused by road closures, so we’ve strategically timed these projects on the A87 for night time hours when traffic is lighter, to lessen the disturbance to both our local residents and travellers. BEAR Scotland and Transport Scotland wish to express our appreciation to the community for their patience and understanding as we undertake this vital upgrade to the A87.”

Consultation has taken place with all relevant stakeholders in advance of the resurfacing improvements to make them aware of the traffic management arrangements.

Real time journey information is available from Traffic Scotland on www.traffic.gov.scot or Twitter/X at @trafficscotland.

Materials removed from the existing carriageway will be recycled using SEPA approved methods.