Serious crashes on A9 between North Kessock and Tore lead to public being asked about improvements
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SAFETY concerns have prompted Transport Scotland to open a public consultation on improvements to the A9 North Kessock to Tore stretch.
Every year, Transport Scotland undertakes a review of locations where three or more personal-injury accidents have occurred over a three year period.
At the end of 2019, the dual-carriageway stretch from North Kessock to Tore was identified as an area for further investigation.
One trouble spot is the busy Munlochy junction.
This consultation is part of an ongoing process of stakeholder engagement that has been underway since autumn 2020. With input from stakeholders and road safety engineers, a range of potential options for this section of the A9 has been developed and assessed.
These range from shorter term and easier improvements to the more complex and longer term investments requiring further planning and design.
The consultation exercise is primarily digital to ensure everyone has the opportunity to look at and consider each option in detail and contribute quickly and easily online.
The consultation can be accessed through the Scottish Government’s Citizen Space and on the Transport Scotland website.
For those choosing to engage offline contact WSP, Transport Scotland’s consultant, on 0141 418 7309 or by e-mail: A9-North-Kessock-to-Tore-Study@wsp.com.
A Transport Scotland spokesperson said: “The A9 is a critical part of the strategic road network for much of the north of Scotland, with Tore Roundabout is a major junction on the route. Communities in and around the Black Isle may be impacted by some proposals and it is important that local residents and beyond have their chance to share their views.”
The consultation opened on Wednesday June 30 and runs until Friday August 27and is available on Citizen Space https://consult.gov.scot/transport-scotland/a9-north-kessock-to-tore-study
Increased development in the area has also been recognised, and Transport Scotland commissioned an initial appraisal of this stretch of road to ascertain whether there was a Case for Change looking at the area holistically.
Local MSP Kate Forbes said: “Having campaigned extensively for road safety improvements at the Munlochy Junction, I am pleased that tangible options have now been put out to consultation by Transport Scotland.
“I know that Black Isle residents are keen to see changes, and I hope that measures carrying widespread community support – such as a speed limit reduction and the installation of streetlights – can be taken forward as quickly as possible.
“I would encourage anyone who uses the junction, and this wider stretch of the A9, to respond to the consultation and share their views on the different options.
“The aim of my campaign was to make the junction safer, and this consultation is the next step in what has been a lengthy process.
“I am also pleased that the consultation has positive options for the Tore roundabout, as this has been an area of considerable concern for local residents on all approaches.”
