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Change of direction for project to improve notorious traffic bottleneck in the Highlands could encourage more walking and cycling


By Val Sweeney

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The layout at Inshes roundabout is being reviewed.
The layout at Inshes roundabout is being reviewed.

Plans for a multi-million pound project to ease traffic congestion at a notorious Inverness bottleneck are changing direction.

Designs for a new-look junction at Inshes roundabout are being reviewed to reflect a shift towards encouraging more walking and cycling.

Pre-pandemic, the roundabout was well known for its lengthy tailbacks – particularly for city workers during the morning and afternoon commute.

Two years ago, plans were drawn up to replace the roundabout with a four-way signal-controlled junction along with changes to the access points for Inshes Retail Park, Drakies, the Police Scotland divisional headquarters and Raigmore Hospital plus Beechwood House.

But since then, there has been a change in Scottish Government policy shifting the focus towards more active travel such as cycling and walking.

Council officers have now gone back to the drawing board to develop a range of solutions which will be subject to a public consultation, according to a report which was presented to Highland Council’s economy and infrastructure committee.

It states: "Following the publication of the National Transport Strategy in February 2020, this document clearly advocates a new hierarchy of travel – with the priority on walking, wheeling and cycling, with cars being the least favoured transport mode.

"A range of solutions have been developed for Inshes Junction – with varying emphasis of transport modes, it is vital that public consultation is held to inform the council in their selection of the preferred scheme."

The draft plan for changes at Inshes roundabout which is being reviewed.
The draft plan for changes at Inshes roundabout which is being reviewed.

Although the consultation associated with options has been delayed by the pandemic, officers say the review, with revised scheme objectives, will be presented to Inverness councillors who will then allow consultations to progress.

The report also maintains the project will still be provided in line with the council’s capital provision for a start of construction in 2023.

While some will be concerned about possible delays to resolving traffic congestion, others see it as an opportunity for a rethink.

John Davidson, convener of Highland Cycle Campaign, said: "Inshes roundabout is a difficult junction to negotiate as a pedestrian or cyclist, with multiple crossing points to pass to continue your journey. We welcome a new approach."

A council spokeswoman said it was continuing to work closely with Transport Scotland to ensure the project was delivered and had looked at a range of differing solutions.

"Due to the Covid pandemic and the difficulties that this gives rise to over public consultation – and the importance of the decisions – it has been decided to defer progression of the consultations until this can be undertaken most successfully," she said.

The scheme, costed at £7.2 million in February 2019, will be carried out as part of the council’s commitment to the Inverness City-Region Deal.

Changes at the roundabout could encourage more cycling and walking.
Changes at the roundabout could encourage more cycling and walking.

It is also closely linked with other major road improvement schemes involving the council and Transport Scotland.

They include a new east link road connecting between Culloden Road and Smithton Junction, including new junctions at Ashton Farm and Cradlehall, a new link to Inverness Shopping Park and a bridge over the Highland Main Line railway.

Design work is also ongoing to improve the A9/A82 Longman roundabout – another notorious bottleneck.

Related story: Inverness problem junction plans unveiled


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