Concern over major diversions as BEAR Scotland plan Badenoch trunk upgrade

Concern is growing in Badenoch over major road repairs on the A86 which will mean lengthy diversions and a road closure which will block all traffic, including emergency vehicles, from August 19 to September 7.

BEAR Scotland has notified communities of essential surfacing improvement west of Newtonmore which will entail:

 24 hour a day works begin on Monday 19 August for 20 nights.

 24 hour road closure in place for safety, Monday 19 August to Saturday 7

September.

“Road users travelling on the A86 between Newtonmore and Laggan will benefit from a reconstructed road as BEAR Scotland get set to undertake road recycling works on behalf of Transport Scotland in August,” said Ian Stewart, BEAR’s north west representative, today.

“The 1800m section of road, two miles west of Newtonmore requires full reconstruction.

“The £1.2 million works involve recycling 4450 tonnes of road material which is then reused to make the new road in as sustainable a way as possible. Road markings will also be upgraded as part of the works with new highly reflective materials again to improve road safety.

“Due to the nature and scale of this project requiring a deep excavation of the full road construction, the road will remain closed 24 hours per day for the three week duration of the works.

“Access to Newtonmore will remain open for business. Local road diversions will be in place. Eastbound traffic will be diverted along the A889, then onto the A9 where road users can rejoin the A86 at Kingussie.

“Road users travelling westbound will be diverted along the A9, then the A889 where they can rejoin the A86 near Laggan.”

Mr Stewart explained: “These essential road reconstruction works will upgrade the existing road surface, greatly improving the quality and safety for road users. The recycling process we are using will allow all of the existing road material to be rejuvenated and reused in the new road construction. This makes the very best use of the existing road whilst minimising the need for newly quarried material.”

“We thank road users for their patience ahead of these road improvements. Local access to Newtonmore and Kingussie will be maintained at all times via diversion routes and both communities will very much remain open for business.”

A spokesperson for Laggan Community Council pointed out: “This will be a complete road closure, not just night time and will affect all users including school buses and emergency vehicles.”

For Dalwhinnie Community Council, chair Jen Dickinson wondered why Laggan was initially informed but not Dalwhinnie: “Dalwhinnie residents often use this road - for example between doctor surgery and pharmacy.”

She asked BEAR Scotland: “Last week I questioned why we were getting A9 works information for the far north east, such as at Caithness Helmsdale area, but relevant areas were being missed.

“This set of works is such an example that has been missed. I hope it helps highlight the fault and can assist to update the systems more appropriately.”

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