Calls grow for Thurso bypass
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A PLEA is to be made to transport minister Keith Brown for a road bypass scheme at Thurso.
That was decided by members of the town’s community council at a meeting last Tuesday night.
Chairman Don Smith urged his colleagues to press for the bypass to help take the pressure off the main bridge over the river and the roads leading into the town centre.
He argued a strong case could be made for the project with the planned renewable and marine energy developments, the activity at Scrabster harbour and the decommissioning work at Dounreay.
Mr Smith noted a report, commissioned by HITRANS and the Highland Council to consider local infrastructure in relation to renewable energy developments and growth opportunities, gave a low priority to a bypass at Thurso.
“It looks like it could be a nonstarter. The report states that it would cost around £50 million for a bypass but it does not seem to have been properly costed,” he said.
“I am sure it could be done cheaper – the one at Fochabers was done for around £30 million.”
Mr Smith claimed the emphasis in the report appears to be on improving access through the town around the Olrig Street
But he said the bypass could be regarded as a preventative measure and work out cheaper in the long term. ?Mr Smith argued the main bridge was not designed to cope with the level of traffic it was having to deal with and pointed out big lorries going through the town were damaging the road network. If we don’t get it now then it is likely we will never get it,” he said.
Community councillor Bert MacLeod backed the chairman and described the proposals in the report as “nonsense”. He felt the bypass would be the answer to the town centre traffic problems rather than focusing on better access.
Jeffrey MacLean said the Far North has been described as having the potential to become the Saudi Arabia of renewable energy.
He felt if the area could help generate revenue for the Government then it deserved to get the funding for a bypass.
Mr Smith agreed and said: “The Government will say it has no money in the pot but if we are putting up with all the disruption surely we deserve some of the cake too.”
Thelma Mackenzie, from Thurso and Wick Trades Council, suggested writing to Mr Brown on the need for a bypass.
That was agreed and it was also decided to write local MP John Thurso as well as MSPs for support.
It was suggested an approach could be made to some of the companies involved in the various projects to see if they would “put their hands in their pockets to help fund the bypass”.
Meanwhile, community councillors welcomed plans to upgrade Berriedale Braes.
A scheme, costing £2.3m, is being considered by the Scottish Government and could improve that section of the A9 for hauliers, general road users and visitors to the county.
Members noted a campaign for a bypass at Berriedale has been going for 30 years without success.
“That was the Rolls-Royce scheme and although what is proposed is much cheaper it would help a lot,” said Mr MacLeod.
