From Monday 23 October 2023 until Friday 26 January 2024, BEAR Scotland, Transport Scotland’s trunk road operating company, will be carrying out safety improvements on the A9 at the crossroads junction with the A836 Castletown Road and the access to TESCO in Thurso.
These improvements will modernise the traffic signals and provide additional dedicated controlled crossing points, to improve accessibility and safety for pedestrians at the junction. As part of the works, a new footway will be created in the grass verge from the south towards the junction. There will also be short lengths of new footway on the A836 side, to link up to the new controlled crossing points.
The project will be completed by 26 January 2024, making the overall duration approximately 14 weeks, subject to weather conditions.
To ensure the safety of both road users and workers, 4-way temporary traffic signals will replace the existing permanent signals and additional pedestrian facilities will be included.
Key project details:
Duration: Monday 23 October 2023 until Friday 26 January 2024.
Work hours: 8am–6pm, Monday to Friday.
Additional work hours: Some evening and weekend work may be required. Any noisy operations will finish by 11am.
Traffic Measures: 4-way temporary traffic signals with pedestrian crossing points.
Ian Stewart, BEAR Scotland’s North West Representative, said, “Road safety is a top priority for BEAR Scotland and Transport Scotland, and we have designed a scheme to improve road safety and incorporate additional controlled crossing locations to better serve the community. The introduction of these measures will complement previous improvements making the junction safer for all users.
“The temporary traffic management arrangements are essential for the protection of our workforce as well as the travelling public. Due to the nature of the project, we need to turn off and remove the existing traffic signals and replace them with an entirely new system including all underground works. We are carrying out the works at this time of year to limit disruptions as the junction is a key point on the NC500 tourist route and this is the most opportune time. Our teams will do all they can to complete the project as quickly and as safely as possible and minimise delays and inconvenience to the local community“.
Road users are encouraged to plan their journeys in advance by checking the Traffic Scotland website and Twitter @trafficscotland for real-time journey updates.
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