Major concerns over suitability of Aviemore diversion during rail level crossing upgrade
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After concerns were raised over what one local Highland councillor called a 'bonkers' diversion, the local authority has confirmed that the chief obstacle will be sorted in time for the upgrade works to Aviemore's Dalfaber Drive railway level crossing.
Work gets under way at the start of next week to instal a long-awaited barrier at the crossing over the stream railway line.
A spokesperson for Highland Council said: “The developer, Scotia Homes and Strathspey Railway have confirmed that they have agreement with the landowners to use the route indicated and the gate will not be an issue.
"A traffic management company will be setting up the diversion and monitoring the signage during the closures.”
All those living east of the level crossing – the only public crossing over the steam railway line – face a length trek to avoid the blockage next week for two nights.
From the High Range roundabout at the southern end of the village, motorists will have to use the Cairngorm ski road for a short distance and then turn left down Old Dalfaber Road which they will follow as it grows increasingly narrow.
It is mainly used as a footpath by pedestrians as a short-cut into the village centre from the village's main residential areas.
Well on down the route they will come upon the steam railway company's yard and its safety gate, which is normally locked for security reasons.
They will then negotiate their way through Dalnabay to Dalfaber Drive just east of the crossing.
“They’re cutting us off from evening to morning on both November 2 and 3,” said Mrs Libby Lamb of Dalfaber Park, “but not offering any proper access from the other side of the village.
“And they are talking of a five-week period overall regarding the improvement work. We are very concerned about access at this side of the village.
"The council said the number of people living down here wasn’t very high – but we can assure them there are lots and lots of people down here in the estates and they all need proper access through the village.
“There is even a gate on that route, at the railway company’s yard, which effectively blocks it!”
Local councillor Bill Lobban wholeheartedly approves of the upgrade of the crossing where automatic barriers are to be installed after a series of near misses – the most recent in spring this year.
But he shares grave misgivings over the lack of a proper alternative vehicular access during the work.
Scotia Homes has commissioned £1.1 million improvements after being granted planning approval to build 75 new homes off Dalfaber Drive by Highland Council.
Mr Lobban criticised the diversion when speaking to the Strathy earlier this week, contending the route was simply not feasible.
He was endorsed by former community council chairman Ian Malcolm who agreed that much of the proposed route was not a road at all.
He said: “It’s more of a track in places and there are going to be big problems with vehicular traffic. This was not thought out very well.”
Access to Scotia Homes’ new development site includes passing over the crossing, making it a planning condition that safety was improved on the line before homeowners move in.
The level crossing has no barrier and has seen several near misses with car drivers regularly failing to stop at the red lights. It’s the only public crossing on the line.
Automatic half-barriers will be installed during the upgrade, as will new rails, sleepers and ballast.
Also on the worksheet are improved footpaths and street lighting, with the job expected to start on Monday and continue possibly until December 11.
While works are carried out the road will be closed overnight on November 2, 9, 16, 23, and 30.
Temporary traffic and pedestrian controls will be in place throughout the construction period. The diversion will be through Dalnabay, Dalfaber Road, and the B970 to join Grampian Road at the High Range roundabout.
