£952,972 could be spent on fixing Inverness potholes – but more cash needed
Register for free to read more of the latest local news. It's easy and will only take a moment.
Councillors will next week consider the roads budget for Inverness which will prioritise a number of routes in the city.
Members of Highland Council's Inverness city committee will consider a report by roads operations managers (Inverness) John Taylor and Steven Grant.
During the financial year 2023/2024 they have recommended that a total of £952,972 should be spent on resurfacing and surface dressing in the greater Inverness area.
This would be split between £495,390 to resurface 12 roads and £457,582 for the surface dressing of 27 roads.
Surface dressing is for roads which are in good condition and the preventative treatment aims to protect them and prolong their life.
The report states: "It is recognised that the works necessary at any location may be a combination of works that are additional to the surfacing works.
"Such surfacing works take time to plan and deliver and it is vital that the programme of works is agreed, as any delay in the agreed programme will impact on the construction programme, which is influenced by the availability of resources and also by the prevailing weather conditions – as summer delivery is more reliable and durable.
"We also need to ensure that such works are coordinated with utility companies so early uploading of the programme to the Scottish Road Works Register aligns with the necessary reporting requirements and allows the coordination of utility works in advance of structural treatments (statutory advance notification period recorded) ensuring a period of protection from planned excavations.
"Notwithstanding these works are as proposed in this report it is recognised that variation can be expected, and these will be agreed with Members at ward business meetings to maintain a dynamic programme."
The report recognises that a lot more investment for a lot more repair work will be needed in the future.
It states: "This report recognises that the local road network serves both strategic traffic and local access to remote communities.
"Road improvement schemes are selected on both the strategic and local importance and the extent and severity of defects. Noting that funding falls short of addressing all of the known defects, low volume and rural routes may be disadvantaged as prioritisation of limited funding dictates."
The committee is due to meet on Monday and it has been recommended that members approve the proposed 2023/2024 Area Roads Capital Programme for the city of Inverness and area.
