Pupils Help Open North Coast Road Improvement

4th December 2007

Two pupils from Melvich Primary School finished what they started today (Tuesday 4th December 2007) when they helped open the upgrading of the A 836 North Coast road, between Melvich and Strathy. Aaron Mackay and Katrina Mackay cut the first turfs on the project in March of this year and today assisted Councillor John Laing, Chairman of The Highland Council's Transport Environmental and Community Services Committee to formally open the £3.4 million project.

The Council awarded a 40-week contract to Highland Quality Construction to build 3.4 kilometres of modern two-lane carriageway at Melvich, which features two new bridges and environmentally friendly features, such as otter culverts. It has been finished two months ahead of schedule. Funding of £500,000 has been attracted from the European Regional Development Fund.

Councillor Laing said: "I am delighted all the pupils from Melvich Primary School could join us today for this important occasion. They will benefit most from this investment in their community.

"Over the past 18 years, the Council has spent £7.7 million on bringing the North Coast road up to a modern standard. It makes journey times faster and safer and is welcomed by all who travel along this important part of the regional road network.

"One comment from the locals during construction was that disruption to traffic was kept to a minimum. Clearly, the "off line" design made the construction much easier and also quicker which contributed to these favourable comments.

"Careful landscaping of the existing road in consultation with Scottish Natural Heritage has reduced the visual impact of the scheme."

Also present at the opening were the three Highland Councillors for North Central and West Sutherland, George Farlow, Linda Munro and Robbie Rowantree.

Dennis Kearney, Director of HQC, said: "We are delighted to have completed the project early,and I would like to thank the road users for their patience and understanding during the construction."