A major milestone has been reached in the first section of the A9 dualling scheme – with motorists driving on new tarmac for the first time.
A section stretching for nearly 2.5 miles opened for the first time at 5.30am yesterday on the Kincraig to Dalraddy dualling project.
The newly constructed carriageway coming into use allows work to begin on upgrading the existing carriageway.
But one local business hit out after a lack of signs warning motorists of the change resulted in a near miss on the A9.
Leault Working Sheep Dogs urge motorists to cross the trunk road from the B9152 Kincraig to Kingussie road, rather than turning directly off the A9.
Glynis Ross, who runs the business with her husband Neil, said the works had caused “pandemonium” and resulted in a loss of trade for their attraction, which puts on sheepdog shows for tourists.
Signs were put up yesterday lunchtime warning drivers of the change in the traffic arrangements, but not until a motorist had what Mrs Ross described as a “near miss”.
She added their daily 4pm show yesterday was a “disaster” with visitors arriving complaining about the road crossing arrangements.
Mrs Ross said: “It should all have been sorted. It’s just another thing that hasn’t happened in the way it was supposed to.
“It doesn’t sit well that we are telling people how to get here and we could be putting people at risk as a result.
“I couldn’t live with myself if something were to happen.”
Transport Scotland did not respond directly to the farm’s concerns.
Hailing the first use of the newly dualled section, Keith Brown MSP, cabinet secretary for economy, jobs & fair work said: “As one of Scotland’s largest and most challenging infrastructure projects, I welcome this important milestone in our A9 dualling programme, with the first stretch of new road in the programme between Kincraig and Dalraddy now in use.
“Along with the ongoing construction work, we are also continuing to progress the design of the other sections to be dualled with three ground investigation contracts awarded in the last few months.
“These important investigations are helping to inform and shape the design as we work towards identifying preferred routes for a number of sections to be dualled.”
Transport Scotland have warned that drivers should be aware that further changes to the road layout will be made over the coming weeks, and are reminded to approach this section of road with care as the changes come into effect.