A9 Main Street in Golspie | Puffin Crossing Progress

The installation of a new controlled pedestrian crossing continues to progress on the A9 through Main Street, Golspie. The project, which started in December, will enhance safety and accessibility for residents and visitors alike.

Works carried out so far include laying electrical cables, adding kerbing and tactile paving, and installing a built-out kerb area.

The project will continue through March and April into May, focusing on the footway works, installing pedestrian crossing apparatus, road resurfacing and road lining. Works are currently expected to last until early May. There will be no works between Wednesday 1 and Friday 3 April to allow utilities works to be carried out.

Overnight road resurfacing will be carried out from Tuesday 5 May between the hours of 7.30pm and 6am under three night shifts. To ensure the safety of the workforce and members of the travelling public, a temporary road closure will be in place with amnesties at 8.30pm, 9.30pm, 10.30pm, 11.30pm, 12.30am, 2.30am and 4.30am to allow traffic to safely pass through the work site. Works are expected to be completed by 6am on Friday 8 May.

The new “puffin” crossing, which uses smart sensors to improve efficiency and safety for both pedestrians and road users, will be located near key areas of footfall including local shops, the beach, and Golspie High School. The project will also involve footway improvements, resurfacing of sections of the A9 carriageway to enhance skid resistance, upgrading of street lighting and the refreshing of road markings to improve overall safety on this key trunk road route.

The project follows a series of detailed traffic, pedestrian, and topographical surveys carried out within Golspie. These assessments identified a clear need for a safer and more convenient crossing point on the A9, particularly during peak times.

Michael Baxter, BEAR Scotland’s North West Improvements Scheme Manager said: “These improvements will create a safer, more accessible environment for pedestrians and improve overall road conditions through Golspie. The design has been carefully planned to ensure it serves local needs while supporting wider road safety initiatives in the area.

“The crossing supports Transport Scotland’s introduction of a 20mph speed limit through Golspie, and the wider area by the Highland Council. Working together, these measures aim to encourage safer driving behaviour and create a more pedestrian-friendly environment within the village.

“Our teams will carry out these works quickly, with safety as our top priority. The nature of the works will result in an increase in noise levels, and we apologise in advance for the inconvenience this may cause.  We thank the local community and road users for their patience and understanding while these improvements are implemented.

“A temporary 10mph speed limit will be used throughout the resurfacing works and BEAR would ask road users to fully comply with these to ensure our workers can go home safely to their families each day.”

All works are dependent on the weather. As such, the programme of works may change in the event of adverse weather conditions or unforeseen circumstances.

Consultation has taken place with relevant stakeholders in advance of these works to make them aware of the traffic management arrangements and to minimise any inconvenience.