Transport Scotland has told Highlands and Islands Labour MSP Rhoda Grant that work for the new 50 mph speed limit on the A9 Tain Bypass is nearing completion, with the remaining works to fit signage lanterns due to be finished by Christmas.
These lanterns are required to illuminate the signs in accordance with traffic sign regulations.
It is also progressing the legal aspects of this change and can confirm that the new speed limit will come into force on 15th January 2021. On this date, BEAR Scotland will remove the coverings on the new signs and replace any existing signs that would conflict with the new 50 mph limit.
In regards to the study into potential longer term improvements at Tain, the agency is continuing to work with our consultants, Jacobs, to understand the underlying cause of the accidents that have occurred at the Knockbreck and Morangie Road Junctions.
“I am very pleased that this is moving forward and await more detail from Transport Scotland on the longer-term proposals for these junctions,” said Mrs Grant.
She was initially contacted two years ago by constituents who told her that ‘nearly every week’ an incident happened around the Asda and Lidl junctions. At the time it was highlighted that 11 accidents had taken place around the Tain junctions, labelling it the worst A9 hotspot.
Transport Scotland’s study into longer term safety measures includes the community’s call to have roundabouts at the junctions.