Community council chairman says Struie road is in a 'disgraceful' condition with foot-deep potholes and calls for HGVs to be banned from using it
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The chairman of Creich Community Council has called for HGVs to be banned from the B9176 Struie road because of its deteriorating condition.
Pete Campbell, Balblair, said the 15-mile road, which runs from Alness to Bonar Bridge, was in a “disgraceful” condition.
Mr Campbell, who was re-elected as chairman at the community council’s AGM last month, said some of the potholes on the B9176 were a foot deep in places and often unavoidable in traffic.
HGVs should be prevented from taking the Struie road and repairs urgently carried out, he said.
He added that the route was a gateway into Sutherland and deserved to be properly maintained.
The B9176 is the main road from the north-west coast to Inverness, despite its B classification.
Community councillors urged North, west and central Sutherland councillor Kirsteen Currie, who was present the meeting, to make Highland Council aware of the strong feelings of the communities.
She responded that the Struie was on a list of roads earmarked for an upgrade and work was expected to start in the next couple of weeks.
Community councillors also complained about the poor condition of the Glencassley road.
Cllr Currie said she was constantly pushing for works to be moved up the priority list for Glencassley and would highlight the condition of the road again to roads managers.
The community council moved on to discuss the issue of drivers speeding on Lairg Road, Bonar Bridge, and on the Bonar Bridge/Ardgay straight.
Several residents on Lairg Road had complained about speeding drivers.
Cllr Currie said that a survey by Highland Council indicated that average speeds on the Bonar/Ardgay straight were below the 60mph limit, but on Lairg Road the average was more than 30mph.
She agreed to raise the concern over speeding in these areas with Highland Council’s executive chief officer for infrastructure and the environment Malcolm Macleod.
It was agreed to purchase and install, through the local authority, speed indicator signs at the two roads as soon as possible.
