Progress is signalled on rockfall-hit route

HOPES are high stabilisation work on a rockfall-prone stretch of road in Ross-shire will be completed on time — although a long-term solution is still to be found.

The work on the A890 Stromeferry bypass route has created a headache in the area with motorists facing significant delays and needing to use a stretch of the adjoining rail track on the Kyle line to maintain a flow.

A new signalling system to reduce delays has been voted a success by Highland Council though night working to keep the scheme on track after delays caused by windy weather and equipment breakdowns is being reviewed.

Weekly reports on how the rock stabilisation works are progressing are being published by Highland Council to keep the public updated.

A total of 156 of the 240 anchors are now in place on the rock face with more due to be added this week. A specialist contractor will be creating a concrete buttress on a small section to support an overhanging rock face close to road level.

Chair of the Council’s environment, development and infrastructure committee, Councillor Allan Henderson, said: "The first week of having the new signalling system in place has proved to be a success and is making a difference to journey times.

The road closure time has been reduced to around 20 minutes and there are now fewer delays for motorists."

He added: "We are still on target for the work to be completed by November 23 so would like to thank the public for their patience and remind everyone to allow extra time for their journeys until the road is fully reopened."

There are eight trains travelling through the site per day and two trains on a Sunday. The road to rail bypass opens at 7.10am and operates until 10pm. Outwith those times, a lengthy detour is required for some road users.

Weekly updates and the feedback from recent community meetings are available on Highland Council’s website at www.highland.gov.uk/info/1523/transport_and_streets/104/stromeferry_bypass/2