Plans to improve Inverness city centre road
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ROAD safety campaigners are welcoming plans for new pedestrian friendly measures around a problem major junction in the city.
The remodelling of the Kenneth Street/ Tomnahurich Street crossing should also solve the problem of a traffic light that is damaged so often by passing vehicles that it has jokingly been described in some quarters as “magnetic.”
Kenneth Street and Tomnahurich Street are part of the A82 trunk road carrying heavy traffic, including lorries, across the city, as well as tourist traffic heading to and from Loch Ness.
After the latest damage to the traffic light a spokesman for BEAR Scotland said: “Road safety is of paramount importance to both BEAR Scotland and Transport Scotland, and we are currently in the early stages of moving forwards with a project to remodel the Kenneth Street/Tomnahurich Street junction, expected to be completed in 2020/2021 financial year.
“This will involve revising the layout to provide enhanced facilities for pedestrians and non-motorised users, as well as relocating the traffic signals to a position where damage is less likely.
“The project will be subject to a full site investigation and a full consultation process with all affected stakeholders before any final decisions on the design are made.”
Helen Smith, acting secretary of Ballifeary Community Council, said new light controlled crossings at Kenneth Street, Montague Row and on Glenurquhart Road are being considered.
She added: “We are most concerned that pupils heading to and from Central Primary School can cross Tomnahurich Street in safety.
“There is a lollipop man at certain times but it can be terrifying trying to cross there, especially with children. Quite often the lollipop man would step out and the traffic wouldn’t stop.
“BEAR seem reluctant to have a light controlled crossing at Planefield Road, perhaps because it is too close to Kenneth Street, but Montague Row would be fine I think.
“Another crossing further west on Glenurquhart Road near Park Road would help Dalneigh people cross to the ScotMid and town.”
