Ross and Cromarty roads maintenance programme agreed

Members of the Ross and Cromarty Committee have today (Wednesday 30 January) agreed a Road Structural Maintenance Programme for 2019/20 which prioritises the safety of the travelling public and sustainability of the road network.

The revenue budget for road maintenance activities in Ross and Cromarty for 2019/20 is £2,624,218 of which £1,102,447 is allocated for winter maintenance with a further capital budget of £1,534,391 for the same period.

The schemes included are based on need following safety and service inspections, input from Ward Members and data from the Scottish Road Maintenance Condition Survey.

Of the 14 capital improvement schemes, 4 are on the A890 in Lochalsh. Other A road projects include surface dressing to the A862 Station Road–Auction Mart in Dingwall and the A832 at the Fairly Glen on the Black Isle.

The Highland Council is yet to determine the local area allocations of the budget for 2019/20 so the programme agreed by Councillors today is based on the 2018/19 budget. Should the budget be amended then the programme will be reviewed as appropriate.

Chair of the Ross and Cromarty Area Committee, Councillor Fiona Robertson said: “The road infrastructure across our area is the largest in the Highlands, covering over 1,650 kilometres. We are also responsible for maintaining 308 bridges and realise that maintaining this network of routes is vital for our communities.

“Given the scale of roads across Ross and Cromarty and the impact of weather related damage, there continues to be a huge demand on our limited resources. There will never be enough money for everything we want to do. However, the committee’s decision today means we have a clear plan taking us forward .”