Roadworks set to begin to make A9 Munlochy junction right-turn ban permanent
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A DANGEROUS right-turn across a well-known Highland accident blackspot will be permanently closed next month, it has been confirmed.
Right-turns onto the A9 heading north from the B9161 Munlochy road have been impossible for months, after temporary barriers were placed on the central reservation in the wake of numerous crashes – including some which were fatal.
Now that stop-gap measure, which consists of traffic cones, will be replaced with a more permanent barrier – a new traffic island.
Bear Scotland will begin night-time works on the new barrier on Monday, July 3, and will be finished by Friday, July 21.
One lane of the A9's southbound carriageway will be closed during the night while the work is carried out, and there will be a temporary speed limit on the dual carriageway and the B9161's approach to the trunk road.
The development comes after a number of politicians called for improvements on the notorious junction, including MSP Kate Forbes, whose constituency includes the Black Isle.
Related: Transport Scotland announces right turns at Munlochy A9 junction are set to be banned
And although she is delighted to see the work being carried out, she has also pledged to continue the fight for even more safety improvements at the accident blackspot. Ms Forbes said: “I am grateful that both Transport Scotland and Highland Council are implementing this permanent closure – though the cones have been in place for a while now, it’s good to see this progress.
“When I consulted with the Black Isle community and regular junction users it was clear that many regarded the right turn out of the B9161 across four lanes of 70mph dual carriageway as potentially unsafe.
“I am pleased that Transport Scotland still regularly monitor incidents at Munlochy Junction, and it remains under review.
“I pass this junction pretty much every day, as do family and friends, and I will continue my fight for further road safety improvements here because I know how important it is for the Black Isle and wider Highland communities.”
