Highland Labour MSP wants Transport Scotland to investigate complaints about Raigmore Interchange in Inverness where woman died in accident almost eight months ago
Transport Scotland is being asked to look again at the safety of the Raigmore Interchange crossing in Inverness following a tragic accident earlier this year.
Highlands and Islands Labour MSP David Stewart has contacted the agency’s chief executive Roy Brannen following further concerns from constituents.
Although warning signs have been installed on the A96 carriageway, following the accident in February which killed Phoebe Mackezie (58) of Inverness, people have told Mr Stewart they believe these are ineffective and pedestrians are still at risk there.
Mr Stewart first called for a safety review of the southbound A9 slip road, which links to the A96, after Ms Mackenzie's death.
There are no pedestrian crossing lights at the spot, but there are some on the slip road from the A9 onto the interchange only a few yards away.
“Although I welcomed the move to put in temporary warning signs while the development of improved pedestrian and cycle routes was worked on, these appear not to solve the safety problem,” Mr Stewart said.
“One issue is the number of other signs on the stretch of the A96 between the Snow Goose restaurant leading up to Raigmore Interchange, meaning drivers may miss the crossing warning signs.
“Another is the fact that drivers are looking right to check roundabout traffic rather than left where pedestrians may be crossing. There is also a lack of warning signs for traffic coming from Inverness, along Millburn Road and entering the roundabout and then taking the A9 slip-road turn-off.
“Constituents have told me by the time that traffic reaches the slip road it can be travelling at 50/60mph.”
Transport Scotland previously told Mr Stewart it was working with Highland Council and Sustrans on an active travel network project, which includes improved pedestrian and cycle routes through the interchange where the A9, A96 and Millburn Road meet.
Mr Stewart was told that the completion date would be some time in 2020 and he has now asked if there is a specific date for the project. He has also suggested temporary pedestrian crossing lights might be a solution.
The MSP has also written to Highland Council and Police Scotland seeking their views on safety.
