Outcry on ‘overlapping’ Ross-shire road closures branded crazy by critics
THE prospect of overlapping roadworks bringing a swathe of Ross-shire to a grinding halt at one of the busiest times of the year has prompted a rethink call from a local MSP.
As reported yesterday by the Ross-shire Journal, a £2.9m programme of works on the Cromarty Bridge on the the A9 is due to start next month - and take 20 weeks to complete.
While the work will be carried out overnight, it is set to coincide with a Scottish Water-led project set to close a section of the A862 between Evanton with Dingwall.
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Three-month road closure proposal ‘under review’
£2.9m Cromarty Bridge maintenance will take 20 weeks
That latter three-month road closure proposal - which prompted a major diversion route which includes the Cromarty Bridge - is currently “under review” by Scottish Water following a public outcry.
There are also fears of the knock-on impact of any closure on the A862 on the so-called back road to Dingwall - Old Evanton Road.
Maree Todd, MSP for Caithness, Sutherland & Ross, today voiced serious concerns about the temporary closure of the A862 Dingwall to Ardullie road and its overlap with planned maintenance on the Cromarty Firth Bridge.
The closure of the A862, scheduled to begin on July 7, overlaps with Transport Scotland’s overnight maintenance programme on the Cromarty Bridge, which is due to start on July 21 for 20 weeks.
The official diversion route for the A862 redirects traffic over the Cromarty Bridge and towards the Tore roundabout. The bridge though will operate under a 30mph speed limit and be controlled by traffic lights at weekends for the duration of the works.
Maree Todd said: “Many of my constituents have been in touch to share their frustration about the overlap of these projects and the clear lack of coordination involved.
“While I fully recognise the importance of these essential works, I am deeply concerned that Highland Council, Scottish Water and Transport Scotland do not appear to have worked together to minimise the impact on local communities.
“Residents and local businesses depend on these key routes for commuting, education, and access to healthcare. If both projects proceed as planned, they will be forced to endure serious disruption and delays for up to three months.
“I have written to both Transport Scotland and Highland Council urging them to coordinate more effectively and to urgently reconsider the current timeline.
“It is vital that the schedule is reviewed in order to reduce the cumulative impact of these works on people and the local economy.”
Scottish Water is expected to make an announcement on its review of its A862 plans shortly.
It would require a road closure order from Highland Council.
