Safety improvements completed at A9 Tore Roundabout

Issued by BEAR Scotland

Users of the A9 at Tore are set to benefit from a £120,000 Transport Scotland investment in recently completed road safety improvements.

This is the first stage in a series of improvements on this part of the A9 and has seen the installation of new signing, as well as safer access to bus stops and local services for pedestrians and cyclists.

Three electronic signs, installed by BEAR Scotland on Transport Scotland’s behalf, flash when pedestrians are waiting to cross the A9, giving drivers advance warning and highlighting the need for them to slow down.

In addition to the signs, other improvements include:

• street lighting extended to illuminate the southbound bus stop
• the footpath to both bus stops has been widened
• access points from both sides of the village have been cleared of scrub and vegetation to widen the pathway 
• additional road signs installed for pedestrians approaching the central reserve.

Eddie Ross, BEAR Scotland’s North West Representative said: “Safety is our number one priority and we are pleased that the design and installation of the first phases of new pedestrian and cyclist safety measures at Tore Roundabout has been well received by the local community and helps them to cross the A9 more safely.

“The pedestrian activated signs, increased pedestrian signage, improved street lighting, wider footpaths and access points will all help to increase pedestrian safety on this section of A9 dual carriageway, and look forward to the completion of the improvements to the cycle path between Tore and Inverness later this year.”

Stewart Leggett, Chair of the A9 Safety Group said:  “The A9 Safety Group is committed to improving safety for all users of the A9 and for those who live and work alongside it. This targeted investment has enabled community concerns about safety on this part of the A9 to be addressed while improving connectivity.

“These safety improvements help deliver Transport Scotland’s objective of protecting vulnerable road users such as cyclists and pedestrians, and in doing so also encourage more active travel.”

A spokesperson for the Killearnan Community Council said: “Members of the Killearnan Community Council express thanks to Transport Scotland for a very positive response to residents' concerns over pedestrian safety at Tore Roundabout on the A9. 

“The addition of smart signs, the extra lighting and other works have given residents much safer access to public transport and local amenities”

The Chairman of Highland Council Community Services Committee, Cllr Allan Henderson, said: “I am pleased that Transport Scotland and BEAR Scotland have proactively worked with the local community council and Highland Council to identify and deliver these improvements to safety and amenity for pedestrians and cyclists around, and passing through, Tore.”

BEAR Scotland carried out the work on behalf of Transport Scotland.