Transport Scotland to consider major changes at killer A9 Munlochy junction near Inverness; Black Isle MSP Kate Forbes calls for urgency in bringing forward works
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A notorious fatal accident blackspot on the A9 just north of Inverness could be transformed under plans being considered by Transport Scotland.
Just over three weeks ago, a fatal crash at Munlochy junction claimed the lives of two people, prompting fresh calls for urgent action on what has been described as one of the most dangerous junctions on the Scottish road network.
Transport Scotland will consider creating a roundabout or junction similar to that at nearby North Kessock in place of the existing set-up.
Other options being investigated further include closing all right turns, only closing the right turn from the B9161 onto the northbound A9, and an extension of the southbound slipway which joins the trunk road.
The Scottish Government agency has rejected calls to reduce the speed limit at the junction or to amend road signage to encourage tourists heading to Cromarty to use the Tore roundabout.
Black Isle MSP Kate Forbes welcomed some of the proposals but called for the major works to be brought forward as quickly as possible.
The Cabinet Secretary for Finance and the Economy is still awaiting a response to a letter she wrote to Transport Scotland last month following the tragic double fatality.
Ms Forbes said: “I’m pleased that Transport Scotland are honing in on their preferred option for the Munlochy Junction, although a roundabout or an entirely new junction will take a considerable period of time to come to fruition.
“I do recognise that all of these decisions have major and multi-faceted implications, however I am looking for urgency to get work moving as quickly as possible.
“We are all aware of the problems, and Munlochy Junction continues to pose concerns for users – with an ever-increasing volume of traffic.
“I recognise street lighting will hopefully be installed in the next few months, but I hope we can see faster progress on meaningful options, including closing the right turn from the B9161 to the A9 northbound carriageway and also extending the southbound slipway.
“I will be speaking to the Transport Minister in the coming days to try and get all of these options moving as quickly as possible. Road safety improvements at Munlochy are vitally important.
“The whole study took in the section from North Kessock to Tore, and there are important proposals for Tore roundabout too.
“Transport Scotland will soon be consulting on the speed limit on all approaches to the roundabout, and they are also considering improving pedestrian access, as well as potentially relocating the bus stops and even putting in traffic lights.
“I will continue to engage with the process and am sincerely grateful for the feedback my constituents and other road users have provided me.”
RELATED STORY: Man dies following fatal road crash on A9 at the Munlochy junction for the B9161 near Inverness
