Following safety concerns, Transport Scotland has confirmed to Rhoda Grant MSP that the speed limit is being lowered to 50mph on a road labelled one of the most dangerous in the north.
The MSP has been battling for traffic calming measures on the A9 route between the Asda and Lidl junction next to Tain in her alliance with community campaigners.
And now Scotland’s transport agency has written to her confirming 50mph road signs are going up next week. (Monday August 10).
Mrs Grant said: “Anything that helps to reduce or eliminate accidents and injuries in this area has to be supported. Well done to campaigners who have highlighted safety and the need for change but our campaign doesn’t stop here. More needs to be done to make this road safer and I will continue to press Transport Scotland to bring forward plans.”
The MSP was told last October that a range of improvements, including roundabouts, were going to be considered.
Mrs Grant added: I hope planning for these longer-term improvements will not take long and that the Scottish Government sees this as a funding priority given the number of accidents and near misses on this road.”
The MSP also welcomes the progress being made to enhance safety at the notorious Munlochy junction.
Transport Scotland hired consultancy firm WSP to consider options to improve the layout of the A9 Inverness-Thurso road between North Kessock and Tore, including the junction, which has been the scene of numerous accidents over the years.