Safety plan for "dangerous" Huntly Tesco junction, between A96 and A920, is "doing job on the cheap", MSP argues
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A LOCAL MSP has criticised the installation new signs and road markings at an infamous A96 junction near Huntly as "doing the job on the cheap".
The plans by road operator Amey and Transport Scotland, which we revealed in June, for safety improvements at the junction between the A96 and the A920, by Tesco, fell short of some local demands.
A local woman's 2021 petition, which requested that the junction be replaced with a roundabout, received nearly 900 signatures.
Despite markings already repainted at the junction, and work ongoing to install flashing signs warning of turning traffic, Aberdeenshire West MSP Alexander Burnett has described the works as “doing the job on the cheap”.
The news comes as Amey today announced that the the final phase of their road safety improvements on the A96/A920 junction at Huntly will begin this between Sunday (October 1) will run until and Tuesday October 10.
The final phase of work will involve the installation of new vehicle restraint system (VRS) barriers and the upgrading of existing VRS barriers, as well as signage improvements.
The work will take place between approximately 350 metres south of the A96/A920 staggered junction crossroads and 350 metres north of the junction, overnight between 7.30pm to 6am using four-way temporary traffic lights.
A spokesperson for Amey said: "The £400,000 scheme will provide a safer junction for all road users, helping to reduce vehicle speeds and adding clarification to the junction layout.
"As part of the project, which is being undertaken on behalf of Transport Scotland, Amey has already delivered resurfacing and lining improvements, as well as new vehicle activated advance notification signs to advise road users travelling along the A96 of turning traffic within the junction."
During portfolio questions in parliament, Mr Burnett said he believes it does not go far enough to reduce the number of collisions at the junction.
He also urged Transport Minister Fiona Hyslop to fully dual the road between Aberdeen and Inverness – which is currently in doubt due to the delayed A96 Corridor Review – to alleviate safety concerns along the route.
Speaking at the Scottish Parliament, Mr Burnett said: “Any action is better than nothing but implementing a few signs and repainting the road seems to be doing it on the cheap.
“The A96 is the north east’s most dangerous road, with nearly 300 collisions over the last seven years.
“Just a fortnight ago, another two people were hospitalised after an accident near Huntly.
“A local petition to install a roundabout to replace the junctions has received more than 850 signatures.
“Can the minister confirm what it will take for this SNP government to take action and commit to upgrading this dangerous road in full?”
In her response, Ms Hyslop said: “I wouldn’t diminish improvements as they are taking place.
“In terms of the A96, there is an ongoing review as Mr Burnett well knows and in terms of that commitment, we will take that forward with the publication of the review.”
Afterwards, Mr Burnett said: “The Huntly community want more than just a few signs and new road markings – they want a roundabout due to the dangerous state of the A96 which the Scottish Government has stalled on dualling despite pledging more than a decade ago.
“Motorists take their life into their own hands when crossing this road and the junction in its present form presents huge risks to people.
“These concerns would have been alleviated and wouldn’t have escalated to this point if the SNP Government kept to its promise of dualling the A96 in full.”
A spokesperson for Transport Scotland said: "The £400,000 scheme will provide a safer junction for all road users, helping to reduce vehicle speeds and adding clarification to the junction layout."
