Longman Traffic Lights Trial

Traffic flows and junction performance will be closely monitored during the trial and the data gathered during this time will be evaluated. These findings will then be reviewed with The Highland Council to determine the next steps in the coming months.

The only changes will be to signal times and road users should experience shorter cycle times and see a reduction in delays as a result.

These alterations are expected to make a positive difference in the short term and there are further improvements planned the in the coming years with the recently announced Inverness and Highlands City-Region Deal. This will see the grade separation of the A9/A82 Longman interchange and the A9/A96 Link Road improvement to improve congestion and accessibility to Inverness.

Transport Scotland’s Operating Company Manager, Jonny Moran said:

“We have listened to the local community in Inverness and are working with our specialist contractor and BEAR Scotland to find a solution to improve the efficiency of the lights at Longman Roundabout.

“Our evaluation of traffic flows suggests that altering the timings of the signals will have a positive effect on congestion but we need to assess how this will work in practice.

“Drivers should continue to use the roundabout as normal during this time as we need to get as realistic a picture of its operation as possible.

“We appreciate motorists continued cooperation while the teams carry out the trial, and thank them in advance for their patience while we look to determine an improvement to the junction operation for road users.”

Councillor Allan Henderson, Chair of Highland Council’s Community Services Committee welcomed the trial. He said:

“I am pleased to see this trial get underway. Anything that can be done to reduce delays for people will be welcomed and I am hopeful that this will enable a permanent solution to be found.”

The Scottish Government recognises that it is essential to provide the high quality road infrastructure needed to support economic growth and improve journey times for road users in and around Inverness. As part of the recently announced Inverness and Highlands City-Region Deal, significant investment will be made in the trunk road network to deliver the grade separation of the A9/A82 Longman interchange and the A9/A96 Link Road improvement to improve congestion and accessibility to Inverness in the longer term.