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Calls for roundabout instead of proposed three-way traffic lights at busy Aviemore junction


By Tom Ramage

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The junction of Grampian Road and Dalfaber Drive at the north end of Aviemore. Photo: Google Maps
The junction of Grampian Road and Dalfaber Drive at the north end of Aviemore. Photo: Google Maps

Aviemore Community Council is seeking more information on major changes to one of the busiest traffic spots in the village following some concerns from local residents.

Highland Council and its partners are intending to redesign the junction of Grampian Road and Dalfaber Drive.

But the watchdog was told at its latest meeting that 25 local households are objecting to the changes lined up for the current T-junction.

The proposed works include the introduction of a signalised junction along with shared use footways, segregated cycle lane, toucan and puffin crossings and overrun areas.

But there have now been calls by some local residents for a roundabout to be created instead of the planned three-way light controlled system at the centre of the plans.

The junction already serves large housing areas and will become even busier once the new £20 million Badenoch and Strathspey Community Hospital opens this autumn.

Community council chairman Peter Long said: “We had a long discussion on the issue including a local resident attending and raising a number of specific concerns.

“The meeting agreed to respond to the consultation seeking further information on whether there is space for a roundabout.”

Information is also being sought on the impact of the proposals in terms of public health, safety and pollution.

The plans have been drawn up by Active Aviemore, a partnership project aiming at assisting people in travelling more actively in the village.

Chiquita Elvin, interim head of infrastructure delivery for Sustrans Scotland, said: “The proposed changes to the Grampian Road and Dalfaber Drive junction will help make it easier and safer for people to walk, wheel and cycle in Aviemore.”

The concerns have safety as a high priority along with environmental, health and traffic flow issues.

One resident, who did not want to be named, said: “Residents like the idea of some of the plans including the Safer Route to School and cycling capacity, but the preferred option is a roundabout.

“However, other suggestions have been put forward such as a Dutch-style roundabout system and hatched area from Grampian View allowing safer access onto the crossing/light junction.”

Local views have highlighted safety concerns of traffic exiting Grampian View directly onto lights, adding: “Roundabouts have been shown to be safer than traffic lights. Drivers need to slow down and think at roundabouts as opposed to trying to beat the red light.”

Another respondent stated: “The health implications are huge. Traffic lights cause more pollution over roundabouts. Poor air quality is the largest environmental risk to public health in the UK.”

Comments can be made by email aviemore@aecom.com until June 27.

To view the plans click here


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