Road safety concerns at Conon Bridge junctions with A835 need resolved before more housing approved, local Ross-shire councillor says
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HOUSEBUILDING should be paused in a Ross-shire village until road safety measures are introduced at an entrance junction that has become an accident blackspot, says a local councillor.
Cllr Alister Mackinnon made this plea to Highland Council planners who decide soon if a 28-house development by Tulloch Homes at the Schoolhouse Belt site in Conon Bridge, and 16 more beside the former Drouthy Duck pub nearby, should get the go-ahead.
His concern has been echoed by Conon Bridge Community Council to Highland Council.
And the road safety issue was thrust back into the spotlight last week following another accident involving two vehicles.
Cllr Mackinnon says the junction between the A835 Tore to Maryburgh road and the B9163 turn into Conon has already seen fatalities and serious crashes as well as “almost daily” incidents.
“I am not prepared to have more fatalities there,” he said.
He is wanting the 60mph limit reduced to 40mph at the junction and lampposts erected to light the junction at night.
He added: “During lockdown they did some work with islands and new markings, but the problem is the speed.
“Lorries and other vehicles come hurtling down the hill and are confronted by a vehicle turning left. All too often they pull to the right into the path of traffic coming up the hill.”
Apparently a slip-road into Conon is not possible due to a gas installation he said. The councillor added: “Conon Bridge is a very desirable place to live because of its connectivity, but more homes means more traffic and an increased risk of more accidents.
“I don’t want it to become another Munlochy Junction,” he said, referring to the notorious right turn off the A9 dual carriageway on the Black Isle.
“Some Conon folk make lengthy detours to avoid using the A835 junction because it feels unsafe.”
There are often delays too at the junction at peak school times from 8.30am to 9am, and again at 3.30pm which adds to the mix, and he feels a longer slip-road north towards the Maryburgh Roundabout would help alleviate this, although his priority is a lower speed limit and night street lights.
Fiona MacKintosh, chairwoman of Conon Bridge Community Council, said: “The junction was discussed at the last meeting and we are against any further development here until the junction is made safe.
“It has been a concern of the community council for a long time.”
Pedestrians and cyclists can have difficulty negotiating the fast downhill road at times, say locals.
The two sizeable housing developments being considered for Conon Bridge follow a trend for the village which has seen steady growth and enjoys a rail connection with Inverness, making it popular with commuters.
An 18-year-old was charged with traffic offences following a two-car crash on the A835 near Conon which happened last Thursday at around 5.50pm. The road was closed to allow for recovery of cars.
