Stromeferry Bypass – Rock Stabilisation
Link to annual inspection reports on web site
At the Environment Development and Infrastructure Committee on the 8 November members will be briefed on the progress of the ongoing rock works and the very welcome introduction of signaling by Network Rail which has resulted in a very significant reduction in delays to traffic.
Following requests The Highland Council have published the annual inspection reports and risk analysis for the route. The reports, undertaken since 2013, are now available on the Councils website www.highland.gov.uk
The 2018 annual report identifies four very high risk rock slopes. Solutions and traffic management measures will be identified, budget and timings established and a report will be provided to a future Environment, Development and Infrastructure Committee to seek allocation of the necessary additional funding with the aim of early delivery.
Highland Council is committed to its programme of inspection and stabilisation work on the Stromeferry Bypass until a long term solution is delivered, and is working with its geotechnical consultant to manage the ongoing risks posed. The reports take a risk based approach to assess each section of the rock slope and the Council then plan and programme work to target prioritised areas, as evidenced by the recent works undertaken in both 2017 and 2018.
The Council carried out a Scottish Transport Analysis Guide (STAG) transport appraisal for the route in 2015/16 and this was submitted to the Scottish Government in 2017 for their consideration. This appraisal sought to identify options to address the issues at Stromeferry Bypass.
Feedback from Scottish Government with regard to the STAG report on the long term solution has been sought and the Cabinet Minister for Transport, Infrastructure and Connectivity has recently indicated that Transport Scotland will provide a full response in the near future. The letter however concluded with ‘As the A890 is a local road, responsibility for a decision to upgrade or improve the route ultimately lies with the Council and is not reliant on advice from Transport Scotland.’ The council will continue to make the case that this constrained road, which is strategic and joins two trunk roads, should transfer into the trunk road portfolio, as an urgent and unique case which protects the rail.
Colin Howell Head of Infrastructure said: “Given the current challenging financial situation, the long term solution remains an aspiration. We will continue to monitor the slopes and undertake works to maintain this lifeline link.”
Councillor Allan Henderson Chair of Environment, Development and Infrastructure added: “The work at Stromeferry is progressing well, and the new signaling has made a huge difference. We remain committed as a Council to undertaking the stabilising of the rock slopes and we will ensure that funding is provided to undertake future priority works. The monitoring work that officers currently do will be backed up with geotechnical expertise from our consultants. Full costings will need to be done as we try to accelerate the funds for high priority repairs such as this. We also need to consider possible speed limits in the area to safeguard travellers.”