Highlands MSP welcomes 'some progress' with improvements at Aviemore's Dell of Spey underpass
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A Highlands and Islands Labour MSP has welcomed ‘some progress’ being made on safety concerns at the Dell of Spey underpass in the centre of Aviemore.
But Rhoda Grant says she intends to keep the pressure on the council to ensure the job is seen through to completion.
Mrs Grant has been pursuing the issue for many months now after constituents contacted her advising of their fears about the poor lighting in the area and the ‘perilously high level of water’ in the burn itself during periods of heavy rain.
Mrs Grant said “Constituents are concerned at the condition of the area and having visited the area myself, I share their concerns.”
Constituents asked the MSP if it was possible to have the existing lighting repaired while we wait for the new lighting system to be installed at the underpass for the Strathspey Steam Railway line. They also wanted the burn area itself cleared of mud and leaves.
Mrs Grant told the Strathy: “The council has told me that the existing lighting is beyond any temporary repair.
“The old lights are recessed into the footway in the underpass and both the units themselves and the cabling feeding them is faulty or damaged. The new lighting which is being proposed will be mounted on the roof of the tunnel so shouldn’t suffer from the same issues once installed.”
The MSP has been told, however, that some works have been carried out on the burn itself to drop the water level through the underpass.
Mrs Grant said “This should go some way to helping the problem with high water levels adding risk in the area.
“I’m pleased some progress has been made here but I will be keeping on at the council to get the new lighting installed as soon as the equipment is available.”
A Highland Council spokesman said yesterday: “The bridge which runs over the underpass at Dell of Spey is a Network Rail asset.
“Dialogue is ongoing between Highland Council and Network Rail with regards the designs.
“It is hoped a positive conclusion will soon be reached which will improve Active Travel routes to the new NHS hospital.”
