Highland Council making good progress roads recovery in Ross-shire and the rest of the region with new funding announced – a total of an additional £9 million will be spent over a two year period
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Members of Highland Council's Economy and Infrastructure Committee heard today that great progress is being made on the roads recovery programme across the region.
The committee also agreed the proposed distribution of an additional £9 million for infrastructure improvements from phases two and three of the council's Health and Prosperity Strategy.
An item in today’s report focused on Roads and Transport Transformation and the Roads Capital Allocation Update.
This is in addition to the £1.6 million already approved at full council in June for Corran Ferry.
Members also noted that any underspend in this year’s allocation will be carried forward into the next financial year.
Committee chairwoman, councillor Trish Robertson, said: “It is fantastic to see such excellent progress being made on the Highland Roads recovery.
“Additional capital spend throughout the area must also be welcomed and we are thankful to local members for their work in identifying priorities.”
Another positive aspect of Highland Roads Recovery is the arrival of three of five new JCB Pothole Pro plant vehicles and two further machines are on the way, currently on the production line. The total cost for all five is £1 million.
Sponsored by executive officer for infrastructure, environment and economy, Malcolm MacLeod, the Roads and Transport Transformation project is one of the nine key priority projects within the council’s transformation programme.
Progress has been made in establishing an officer project board that will oversee achievement of clear milestones, within the three key areas of activity.
To support the existing transport planning and strategy, design and construction management. Area operational and maintenance team will deliver services more effectively, improve performance and demonstrate value for money.
The second activity is based around the Highland Road Improvement Strategy and its progress to date. The three separate workstreams are intended to provide an opportunity to level additional funding from external sources.
And the third area of activity focuses on the School Transport Review. A full report on the outcomes of a consultancy report (due before this committee soon) will inform further transformation activity in respect of the medium-term models for delivery of school transport solutions in Highland – particularly important in the wider financial climate and drive towards low carbon transport solutions.
Members approved the distribution of an additional £20 million capital funding at the Economy and Infrastructure Committee in February this year.
The report was agreed at full council in June and stated that the distribution of the phase two and three funding (from the Health and Prosperity Strategy) was to be allocated as follows:
• Infrastructure (structures, passing places, etc) – £4 million in 2021/22 and £2.5 million in 2022/23 at a total of £6.5 million;
• Roads, Plant and Machinery – £1,5 million in 2021/22 and £1 million in 2022/23 at a total of £2.5 million;
• Total funding of £9 million.
