Wester Ross, Strathpeffer and Lochalsh committee agrees road capital programme with 'we'll do our best' pledge

Members of the Wester Ross, Strathpeffer and Lochalsh Committee approved the area’s road capital programme for 2023/24.

The actual 2023/24 capital roads budget allocation for Ward 5 is still to be finalised but based on the previous financial year and analysis of road condition survey results, it is expected to be similar to 2022/23.

This would give a capital budget allocation of £522,691 for overlay/inlay work and surface dressing works.

Works for the Wester Ross, Strathpeffer and Lochalsh area are identified based on a prioritised ranking. The ranking is informed by: Scottish Road Maintenance Condition Survey (SRMCS) data; safety inspections; service inspections; and input and feedback from ward members.

The area capital programme allocation for 2023/24 will allow for work to be carried out on eight priority schemes. These include:

• Over 5km metres of surface dressing works on the A896 between Torridon and Kinlochewe

• Overlay works on the U3393 Rhue road that were deferred from 2022/23 and on the C1055 Letters – Logie Road

• Inlay works on the A834 through Strathpeffer

The Committee also agreed a list of schemes to be undertaken subject to finalised capital budget allocation.

Committee chair, Cllr Biz Campbell said: “Our roads staff have been doing a terrific job providing a winter service seven days a week over the last few months and I want to thank them for their hard work.

“As the weather improves, they will be switching their focus to carrying out maintenance works. It is not possible to do all the work that is needed, but by agreeing a priority plan today for the year ahead provides a clear way forward.

She added: “We will continue to do the best we can with the resources we have.”

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