Transport Scotland announces right turns at Munlochy A9 junction are set to be banned
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RIGHT turns at a A9 blackspot will be banned as part of new measures to improve road safety in the area.
Right turns from the B9161 across the Munlochy junction to the A9 northbound lane will be prohibited later this month, according to Transport Scotland.
Last year, street lighting was installed at the notorious junction, a move which was welcomed by MSP Kate Forbes.
A Transport Scotland spokesperson said: “Transport Scotland has been working with Highland Council on this issue.
“A Prohibition of Right Turns from the B9161 across the Munlochy junction to the A9 North Bound is due to be implemented by The Highland Council later this month, following the completion of statutory processes. BEAR Scotland are working to ensure works to restrict the turn on the A9 itself are in place at that time.
“Following previous community engagement, we have undertaken a study for the Tore roundabout which included a number of possible options derived from community feedback, including the use of traffic signals together with associated crossings for pedestrians and cyclists. We are investigating the potential for lowered speed limits around Tore to support these crossings and are in discussion with stakeholders on these points.
“Further works at Munlochy will be considered in light of the progress at Tore and our wider consideration of safety across the road network.”
Highlands and Islands Labour MSP, Rhoda Grant, has welcomed the announcement after pressing for improvements in the area.
She said she was pleased that this further safety measure is being introduced, following the street lighting being installed at the junction earlier this year.
She added: “The community has been pushing for improvements at the junction for years now and it is good to see some of this now coming to fruition.
“These small improvements being implemented will go some way to improving the situation while the longer term solutions continue to be looked into.”
“I will continue to have dialogue with Transport Scotland, Police Scotland and the Scottish Government going forward but I welcome this progress in the meantime.”
Black Isle councillor Sarah Atkin said she welcomed this decision. She said: "It is just one safety mitigation and I do believe it will make this spot safer. Better lighting at this spot was another recent mitigation put in place by Transport Scotland.
"Personally, I’d welcome slower speeds on the approach to the junction from the north as well. "
