New £600k to improve A9 safety
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Improvements to highlight single carriageways and the transitions at dualled sections on the A9 are being planned.
The Scottish Government will invest £600,000 in the work which also includes enhanced road markings and illuminated road studs. So-called variable message signs will also be deployed along the route.
The upgrades will be on the section between Inverness and Perth.
It is due to be complete by April 2023.
The pledge comes after a year of tragedy on the A9, with deaths reaching a 20-year high. A total of 13 people died after accidents on the 112-mile stretch from Inverness to Perth.
For 2023/24 and 2024/25, the scope and extent of these works will be expanded across the route, coupled with targeted marketing campaigns, which when combined over the next three years will have an estimated value of £5 million.
Scotland's transport minister Jenny Gilruth said: “My sympathies are with everyone who has lost a loved one on Scotland’s roads and specifically on the A9 in recent months.
"One life lost on Scotland’s roads is one too many and as a government it is imperative we respond to the devastating increase in fatalities on the A9 in recent months.
“This funding will provide a package of targeted measures, including road improvements and marketing for delivery between now and 2025. As an immediate intervention by April 2023 over £600,000 will be invested to improve road safety across the A9.
“As I’ve previously outlined in parliament, the Scottish Government is firmly committed to completing the dualling of the A9 between Perth and Inverness. We have already invested over £430 million to date delivering the dualling programme.
“Work is continuing across the A9, with road users already benefiting from the dualled stretch between Kincraig and Dalraddy and between Luncarty and the Pass of Birnam, which opened in September 2017 and August 2021 respectively.
“We will continue our work to finalise the short term interventions for the A9 into the next financial year and beyond, with an intended programme of work valued at £5 million.
“I’m grateful to all partners, and particularly Police Scotland and BEAR Scotland, for their professionalism in responding to these recent incidents and their continued efforts to keep road users safe.”
