'Abandoned' roadworks on A9 where no work has been done for weeks will finally be completed 'this week'
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ROADWORKS on a busy section of the A9 which have sat completely idle for more than three weeks are finally to be completed "this week", Bear Scotland has claimed.
Motorists using the trunk road in Easter Ross have been left scratching their heads for weeks after work on major resurfacing at the A9's Skiach Services and Struie road junction ceased suddenly in August just as the whole project was right on the cusp of completion.
All resurfacing was seemingly complete, virtually all line painting was finished, and the only thing left for contractors still to do was the installation of cats eyes and other reflective studs.
But, in the more than three weeks since then, there has been no movement on the site whatsoever – sparking confusion for motorists who have been left baffled as to why all the traffic cones, signs and reduced 30mph limit have remained in place when no work is actually being carried out.
Related: Fresh plans for Skiach Services/A9 road junction work in Easter Ross shared by BEAR Scotland
The seemingly abandoned roadworks also sparked safety fears, with regular commuters – who were aware of the inactivity at the site – beginning to travel at much higher speeds through the site than the temporary 30mph speed limit that infrequent drivers and tourists were still sticking to.
Bear Scotland, which maintains the road, has apologised and blamed delayed delivery of reflective studs as the reason for the weeks-long delay.
A spokesman said: “This scheme includes specialist road studs (solar powered) to improve safety at the junction. During the hours of darkness they provide visibility of the junction layout to drivers at a distance well in excess of the range of their headlights.
"Unfortunately, delivery of the studs to our subcontractor was delayed, and we were unable to complete this element of the works immediately following the surfacing. This led to the extended three-week period while we were waiting to finish the remaining work.
“Works are programmed to be completed this week (weather permitting). We are making every effort to expedite this, to minimise inconvenience to local residents and motorists.
“We want to assure drivers and the community that the speed restrictions and safety cones will remain in place until the works are fully completed. These measures are in effect to ensure the safety of all road users during this final phase of the project.
“We understand the importance of timely completion during roadworks, and safety is our top priority. We thank everyone for their patience and understanding as we work towards finishing the scheme.”
