A traffic study is to be carried out on the safety of junctions on a stretch of the A9 north of Inverness, including the notorious Munlochy Junction where a teenager died last year.
The junction with the B9161 has been an issue of local concern for some time following a string of serious and fatal accidents, with drivers forced to cross the dual carriageway to exit and join the Inverness to Thurso road.
Gregor McIntosh, 16, was killed in a three-vehicle collision on the route on December 20. He was a passenger in a red Vauxhall Corsa when it collided with two other vehicles at the junction.
A Transport Scotland spokesman confirmed: “Road safety is of paramount importance to the Scottish Government, and our deepest sympathies go to the family of Gregor McIntosh who lost his life in the tragic accident.
“We will be commissioning a study in the near future to consider the safety and operation of the junctions on this section of the A9, and Munlochy junction will be included in this.
“This will include consultation with Highland Council and wider stakeholders to understand the aspirations of development in the surrounding area and the impact that the associated traffic growth may have on the junctions.”
Highlands and Islands Labour MSP Rhoda grant was delighted with the decision after pressing Transport Secretary Michael Matheson for action.
She said the increase in traffic in the Highlands, both from tourism and continued development, had placed increased pressure on roads and on those using the Munlochy junction in particular.
She said: “They say they recognise the concerns this tragedy has raised and will continue to review the safety of the location.
“I’m grateful that they have moved on this and they are to commission a study in the near future to consider junctions on this stretch of road.”
She added: “While the study is welcome, any recommendations coming out of it will take time to implement and temporary safety improvement measures should be installed at the area in the meantime.
“I will press again for them to introduce temporary measures at the location as a matter of urgency to prevent any other family losing a loved one in this way.”
Mrs Grant has also been in contact with Transport Scotland about improvements to the Tain Asda and Lidl junctions.
The spokesman said: “Transport Scotland has appointed engineering consultants, Jacobs, to carry out an assessment of longer-term options for the two junctions at Tain, the A9/Knockbreck Road and the A9/Morangie Road junctions.
“We are currently undertaking consultations with the local community and other stakeholders.”
