Home   News   Article

Killer A9 Munlochy junction will be tackled; Transport Scotland to appoint engineering consultant this month to look at Black Isle blackspot, local MSP Kate Forbes reveals


By Philip Murray

Easier access to your trusted, local news. Subscribe to a digital package and support local news publishing.



Click here to sign up to our free newsletters!
Kate Forbes at the junction.
Kate Forbes at the junction.

EFFORTS to tackle a deadly Ross-shire road junction are expected to take another step forward before the end of the month.

Transport Scotland is set to appoint an engineering consultant to look at measures to tackle the notorious Munlochy junction on the A9.

The junction, which connects with the B9161, is notorious with Black Isle motorists and has seen numerous near misses and crashes – some of which have been fatal.

Sixteen-year-old Gregor Macintosh died at the junction back in December when the vehicle he was a passenger in was involved in a three car collision. Two men were charged with causing death by careless driving last month in connection with the crash, although the case has yet to proceed.

Now, with traffic levels expected to build again as lockdown travel restrictions ease, Transport Scotland is moving forward with efforts to improve the junction's safety.

Over the past fortnight Bear Scotland has upgraded the queue warning system on the northbound approach to the junction, repairing the electronic warning signs which had not been working properly.

And Transport Scotland has now told local MSP Kate Forbes, who has campaigned over the issue, that they will appoint an engineering consultant to improve the junction before the end of July.

Despite the restrictions during the pandemic, the Black Isle MSP said she had continued to lobby for work to take place as soon as is practically possible.

Transport Scotland has also been consulting with Highland Council about the forthcoming options appraisal exercise – which will take into account every junction on the A9 from North Kessock to Tore.

Ms Forbes said: “Even though a lot of work has been put on hold during the pandemic, I am pleased to see that there has been progress at the Munlochy junction.

“Transport Scotland, with Highland Council support, are still committed to improving the junction.

“Whilst traffic has significantly reduced due to lockdown, it will start to pick up again slowly as we ease out of lockdown. I remain committed to ensuring the junction is safer.”

Click here to read more news.


Do you want to respond to this article? If so, click here to submit your thoughts and they may be published in print.



This site uses cookies. By continuing to browse the site you are agreeing to our use of cookies - Learn More