Transport Scotland confirms plans to reinstate electronic warning signs at A9 blackspot; the signs are close to the Munlochy junction on the Black Isle; confirmation came after Highland MSP Rhoda Grant wrote to Scottish Government transport secretary Michael Matheson
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ELECTRONIC safety signs are to be reinstated at a notorious accident blackspot on the A9, a Highland MSP has said.
Highlands and Islands Labour MSP, Rhoda Grant, said she had been advised by Transport Scotland that work is to be carried out to reinstate the signage close to the A9 Munlochy junction on the Black Isle.
The confirmation comes after Mrs Grant contacted the Cabinet Secretary for Transport, Infrastructure and Connectivity, Michael Matheson, about the matter after she was contacted by a concerned local constituent whose family use the road frequently.
Mrs Grant said: “Local constituents have contacted me with a number of suggested safety improvements for the junction but Transport Scotland has advised that many of the suggestions would require detailed design and, in the case of a permanent speed limit reduction, a statutory public consultation, and are therefore not something that could be delivered in the short term.
“A study to consider the safety and operation of the section of dual carriageway between the Kessock Bridge and the Tore roundabout is being undertaken but any proposals from this would then be prioritised alongside other safety schemes in the North West Unit.
“However, reinstating the electronic warning signage appears to be a possibility and I welcome this intervention by Transport Scotland in trying to make the junction safer.”
The MSP said that her reply from Transport Scotland advised that the signs were originally installed as a mitigation measure against traffic build-up on the A9 as a result of housing development in the area.
The signs worked initially but then a problem with the battery power supply emerged, followed by a weak communication link between the control box and the signs. However BEAR Scotland and the sign suppliers are now working to resolve the issue.
Mrs Grant concluded: “It was intended to have the work undertaken on the signage in March and early April however, I am seeking clarification if this has been delayed due to restrictions in place over the coronavirus.
“I thank the local constituents who have taken the time to put their thoughts to me and I am pleased that Transport Scotland has been willing to investigate the different safety measures which have been suggested by people who live locally. I will be keeping in touch with Transport Scotland on this.”
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