Work to improve an Inverness congestion hotspot has been approved by Highland councillors, but some argue the changes don't go far enough
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PLANS to improve a Culloden Road junction have been approved but councillors are still critical of it, claiming major changes are still needed to ease congestion.
Road construction consent has been granted for the junction, which is 260m south east of Simpsons Garden Centre, between the B9006 and B9177, and will see the minor road upgraded and realigned.
Developer Springfield Properties has planning permission agreed in principle for 90 properties at a neighbouring site and the roadworks form part of that development.
However Highland councillors representing the Inverness South ward are unanimous in calling for the junction to be vastly improved as it is already heavily congested during busy periods.
Councillor Ken Gowans said the junction could not cope with current levels of traffic – as huge tailbacks build up whenever cars are waiting to turn – and has long called for changes to be made there.
He said: “This junction is never going to cope with that level of traffic. It’s not wide enough for three vehicles to pass. That means cars waiting to turn up past Drumossie will have to stop.”
Mr Gowans said that on some occasions traffic had been forced to queue all the way back to Raigmore Hospital, leading to Inshes roundabout becoming gridlocked. He added: “I’ve asked for a meeting with transport planning officials but I have failed to get a response.”
Fellow Inverness South councillor, Andrew Jarvie, agreed and said: “The issue still remains – even one person waiting to turn will hold up the traffic. It is the wrong junction in the wrong place and it is too busy as it is. We’ve had this issue for so long now.”
He said he would continue to raise questions with officers about the junction.
Dave Main, Springfield’s north managing director, said: “The works will increase visibility at the junction, and we’ll be installing two pedestrian crossings, one across each road. We have the go-ahead from Highland Council and expect to start work in the coming months.”
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