Safety moves planned for accident black spot at Dalcross junction near Inverness Airport
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Action is being taken to make a junction near Inverness Airport safer.
The moves by Highland Council's road safety team follow a crash in March which led to the death of a five-year-old boy after a three-car collision.
The T-junction is where the B9039 road to Ardersier and Fort George meets the unclassified road that was once the main access to the airport and Dalcross Industrial Estate.
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Traffic is now supposed to use the new more direct route onto the A96 Inverness to Nairn trunk road, although there are reports that drivers using some sat-navs are directed onto the poorly engineered B9039 via the controversial junction.
The March crash reignited fears among local residents who have repeatedly called for action on a "fast and dangerous" road, believing the junction has been an accident blackspot over the years.
Now action by Highland Council is on the cards.
A spokesperson said: "Our road safety team have made local members aware about their intention to reduce the speed on sections of the road and for improvements to the junction. Work is ongoing to progress these matters."
Culloden and Ardersier councillor Morven Reid said she and the community would welcome any moves to make this section of road safer.
She added: "Funding has been found from somewhere, and I believe the road safety team are seeking a Road Traffic Order which will soon be going out for public comment on lowering the speed limit to 50mph then 30mph at the junction.
"One of the big complaints locally is a blind hump on the B9039 to the east of the junction but lowering the speed limit could go a long way to help overcome this.
"Engineering improvements being considered also include an island on the minor airport road to slow traffic as it approaches the Ardersier to Castle Stuart section of the B9039."
Police collision reconstruction experts were working at the junction only a few days ago.
Alison Duncan (58) has lived in Ardersier for over 20 years and said there have been numerous accidents at the junction over that time.
She said: "I would welcome any safety improvements, and I am sure the other local people who drive that road would do so too."
