Controversial Aviemore junction redesign is finally completed nearly a year late
Highland Council has confirmed that the redesign of one of Aviemore's busiest junctions is finally completed – nearly a year later than scheduled.
Testing of the new traffic lights has been concluded and they are now fully functioning at the Dalfaber Drive and Grampian Road junction.
The initial completion date for the junction upgrade was midsummer, last year.
A council spokesman told the Strathy: "The length of time for the redesign and works was because of the disruption caused by traffic during the busy tourist season meaning the work was postponed.
"There was also possible conflict with the works at Dalfaber level crossing replacement which caused further delay.
There were also some unforeseeable delays at the start of the project due to underground utilities issues.
"The full project costs were originally in the region of £450K but we are unable to confirm the final cost at this time although we expect they will have increased somewhat due to these unavoidable delays.
"We are not aware of any further works planned in the area at the moment."
The upgrade was detailed in summer 2021 as part of the improved access to the Badenoch and Strathspey Community Hospital in Dalfaber, with backers saying it was identified as a priority as part of the Active Aviemore consultation.
The project was taken forward by Highland Council and Sustrans with Pat Munro Construction appointed as the contractor.
Speaking at the time of the announcement of the works, Chiquita Elvin, interim head of infrastructure delivery for Sustrans Scotland, explained: “The proposed changes to the Grampian Road junction will help make it easier and safer for people to walk, wheel and cycle in Aviemore.
“As a centre of outdoor activities, it is important to make sure that people of all ages and abilities can get around the town easily on foot and on wheel.
“Public feedback will help make sure that the improved junction works for everyone.”
The works have include the introduction of a signalised junction including pedestrian and cyclist crossings on all three legs of the junction, a new filter lane for traffic turning onto Dalfaber Drive and widened footways.
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The design also permits future connections with additional measures planned to provide people access to the centre of Aviemore.
Active Aviemore is a partnership project that aims to deliver a range of measures to assist people in travelling more actively in Aviemore.
But the project has been plagued by delays and led to major congestion in the village last summer with traffic tailbacks of nearly a half-hour for northbound traffic.
Large number of residents have said that they do not see the need for the work and if it had to be done then a roundabout would have been a much better option.
