Reduced speed limits finally set to go live at notorious accident blackspot on A9; the 50mph limit will take effect on the Tain bypass in mid January, Transport Scotland has confirmed; Highland MSP Rhoda Grant welcomes the news
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A NOTORIOUS A9 accident blackspot will finally be subject to a reduced speed limit early in the new year.
Transport Scotland has confirmed that the new 50mph limit will take effect on the Tain bypass from January 15.
A 60mph speed limit is currently in place along the entirety of the bypass, but repeated crashes as the Knockbreck and Morangie Road junctions have sparked a long-running campaign for safety measures on the route.
New 50mph signs were erected along the bypass earlier this autumn, but they have remained covered up until the new limit comes into force.
Confirming the January 15 date, Transport Scotland's director of roads, Hugh Gillies, said that new sign lights will also be installed over Christmas, and added that the body will continue to see what further improvements can be made.
He said: "In regards to the study into potential longer term improvements at Tain, we are continuing to work with our consultants, Jacobs, to understand the underlying cause of the accidents that have occurred at the Knockbreck and Morangie Road Junctions.
"It is crucial that we are able to identify the reasons for the accidents in order to make an informed view on any improvements that could address the accident trend at these locations."
Highlands and Islands Labour MSP, Rhoda Grant, said: “I am very pleased that this is moving forward and await more detail from Transport Scotland on the longer-term proposals for these junctions.”
Highland MSP Rhoda Grant is among those to have campaigned for safety improvements on the bypass. Welcoming news of the date for the new limit, the Labour MSP said: “I am very pleased that this is moving forward and await more detail from Transport Scotland on the longer-term proposals for these junctions.”
Mrs Grant first began calling for improvements when she was contacted by constituents two years ago, who told her that "nearly every week" an incident happens around the town's Asda and Lidl junctions.
Transport Scotland is looking into other safety measures including the community’s call to have roundabouts at the junctions.
