Work due to start this month on Forss straight safety measures
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Campaigners who have been calling for safety improvements on the Forss straight say they hope work due to start this month will make a big difference in reducing the risk of road accidents.
Forss Straight Campaign Group welcomed the news that some improvements will be put in place on a section of the A836 which is used by motorists travelling to and from Dounreay and Vulcan and is part of the North Coast 500. Dounreay will meet some of the costs.
Members of the campaign group had hoped that traffic-calming measures would include a reduced speed limit through the village and double white lines. While these two options appear to have been ruled out, the group has been told that "village gateways" will be installed along with rumble strips and new signage.
Forss Straight Campaign Group was formed at the end of 2021 following long-standing concerns expressed by residents and road users. It comprises community councillors Thelma Mackenzie (Thurso) and David Craig (Caithness West) and Highland councillors Ron Gunn, Struan Mackie and Matthew Reiss along with Iain Gregory, a retired police area commander and the co-founder of Caithness Roads Recovery.
In December 2021 the group discussed the issue with Dounreay managing director Mark Rouse, who agreed the site had a responsibility to be "part of the solution". This was followed up with a site visit in early 2022 attended by senior council officials as well as Mr Rouse.
Speaking on behalf of the group this week, Mr Gregory said: "We have been informed that matters are now being progressed, with plans in place for works to be carried out to upgrade and enhance the road in the village.
"It was hoped to install traffic-calming measures, with – ideally – a reduced speed limit through the village and double white lines, along with a village gateway, enhancing road safety for residents and motorists alike, with Dounreay kindly pledging to provide financial assistance towards the costs.
"It is understood that contractors have now been appointed and, while we have been informed that the road does not meet the guidance parameters for installation of double white lines or a reduced speed limit, village gateways will be installed, rumble strips will be put in place and suitable signage will also be provided."
Mr Gregory added: "The accident statistics in this area speak for themselves. While we strongly believe that a reduced speed limit and overtaking restrictions would be highly desirable, we welcome the planned initiatives and hope they will considerably reduce the risk to residents and drivers alike.
"It is highly unusual for a joint financial initiative of this type to be put in place, and it reflects very well indeed upon Dounreay that they are prepared to play a vital part in enhancing the safety of not only their own staff but of everyone using the road, or living in the village.
"We look forward to early completion of the works."
Ten years ago a petition calling for a reduction in the 60 mph speed limit attracted around 300 signatures.
A Highland Council spokesperson said: "Works are due to commence later this month and the gateways and associated markings have been funded by Dounreay."
Dounreay’s head of socio-economics and sustainability, David Calder, said: "Dounreay is happy to support this Highland Council initiative. Aside from the direct benefit of the works to the community in Forss, the impact could generate best practice for other high traffic volume rural areas of the north Highlands."
