Road upgrade causes concern

A SUTHERLAND community council is worried that a new smooth surface laid on a stretch of road in its area could lead to an accident in icy conditions.

Roadworks have recently been carried out on the A839 Rosehall to Lairg Road from its junction with the A837 Invershin-Lochinver road to the Achany wind farm access junction.

Creich Community Council is concerned the new black tar finish could be a particular danger as vehicles negotiate the south east approach to the Minister’s Bridge, which crosses a deep rocky ravine at Allt Mhor.

Councillors are now calling for a barrier to be erected as a matter of urgency at that end of the bridge.

The minutes of the group’s January meeting read: “Accidents have happened in the past and now any vehicle which fails to make the turn onto the bridge will plunge directly into the deep drop to the gorge below.

"This should be considered a matter of utmost priority. Additionally, in places the edges of the new surface create a drop of several inches to the adjoining rough ground could seriously damage the tyres of any vehicle. "

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