The introduction of a reduced speed limit at the Raigmore Interchange “could be in place by late summer”, a Highlands and Islands MSP has said.
David Stewart has raised the concern of locals regarding the dangerous nature of slip roads surrounding the notorious roundabout after 58-year-old grandmother Phoebe Mackenzie was killed at the crossing in February last year.
The Inverness woman was struck by a vehicle as she crossed the southbound slip road, before later succumbing to her injuries at Raigmore Hospital.
Now, a temporary scheme is to be installed that will see speed limits reduced to 30mph across the roundabout and the approach roads and exits.
The trial to take place over the course of the next two years.
As part of the road safety improvements, work will also be undertaken to make things better for cyclists and walkers by segregating them from vehicles.
Mr Stewart has said he hopes the improvements, which are to be introduced by Transport Scotland and Highland Council, are a success and can be made permanent upon completion of the 24-month trial.
Mr Stewart said: “I’m in favour of lower speed limits in that area as we know that slower traffic speeds can reduce fatalities and injuries for cyclists and pedestrians, particularly in urban areas.”
The regional MSPs previously fought for the introduction of temporary traffic lights, however, his plea was shot down by Transport Scotland who said an increase of stationary traffic would “likely result in accidents on the roundabout”.
Mr Stewart has said he was also told previously by police that the installation of two warning signs is “an insufficient short-term solution” with chiefs believing a “more permanent short-term engineering measures should be considered to minimise the potential for future collisions”.
He said that he will be monitoring progress closely as the speed limit is reduced.
A Transport Scotland spokesman said landscaping works and additional signage have been implemented “in advance of large scale improvements at Raigmore”.
The spokesman confirmed Bear Scotland are progressing the installation of a temporary 30mph speed limit which is programmed for late summer “in advance of a proposed permanent reduction in speed limit”.
He added: “Any permanent speed limit reduction is subject to statutory public consultation and so timescales cannot be confirmed at this time.”
A Highland Council spokesman said there are currently no “unforeseen obstacles” in the way of a statutory procedure to reduce the current Milburn Road speed limit from 40mph to 30mph.
