A stretch of the A90 in Angus has had its speed limit cut indefinitely from 70mph to 50mph after resurfacing left its central reservation safety barrier about 50mm too low, with Transport Secretary Stephen Flynn giving no timeline for a fix.
The affected stretch, between the St Ann's and Keithock junctions near Brechin, is normally a 70mph road. The limit was cut after the new road surface slightly raised the carriageway, potentially leaving the central reservation barrier not high enough to protect people travelling at higher speeds.
Transport Secretary Stephen Flynn said the change would have a "minimal" impact on drivers, with average travel times increasing by "less than 90 seconds". He did not set out a timeline for when the issue would be fixed.
The concerns were raised in a written question by Conservative MSP Liam Kerr. In response, Flynn said: "The new road surface has slightly reduced the effective height of the central reservation safety barrier, and the speed limit provides an additional safety measure until permanent improvements can be completed."
On Wednesday, Kerr submitted a follow-up question asking when the Scottish government believes the road would return to a 70mph limit. Flynn explained that several tests would be needed to "evaluate the performance of the route following the recent resurfacing", but did not say when the limit would change.
Engineering firm Amey, which carried out the resurfacing works, said in an online blog post that putting the new layer of asphalt on top of the existing concrete would be best to preserve the integrity of the underlying road structure. The company said the safety barrier was effectively reduced in height by about 50mm, adding that the decision was taken as a precautionary measure. It also said that while the barrier does not meet the terms set out in the original construction specifications, the reduction in its height does not break any laws.
Analysis
Why This Matters
- The indefinite 50mph limit on a normally 70mph stretch of the A90 adds "less than 90 seconds" to average travel times until permanent improvements are completed.
- The speed cap is a safety precaution because the central reservation barrier is now about 50mm below its specified height.
- There is currently no timeline for the fix, so drivers face an open-ended restriction.
Background
The A90 is a major road serving north-east Scotland; the affected stretch near Brechin in Angus had a 70mph limit. During resurfacing, engineering firm Amey laid new asphalt on top of the existing concrete to preserve the underlying road structure, which slightly raised the surface and reduced the effective height of the central reservation safety barrier.
Key Perspectives
Transport Secretary Stephen Flynn, Scottish Government: says the change will have a "minimal" impact on drivers and that the lower limit provides an additional safety measure until permanent improvements can be completed; he did not give a timeline.
Conservative MSP Liam Kerr: raised the safety concern in a written question and is pressing for a timeline on restoring the 70mph limit.
Engineering firm Amey: says the resurfacing decision was precautionary and that the reduced barrier height, while not meeting the original construction specifications, does not break any laws.
What to Watch
- Whether the Scottish government announces a timeline for permanent improvements and the return to 70mph.
- The outcome of tests to "evaluate the performance of the route following the recent resurfacing".
- How long the temporary 50mph limit remains in force on the stretch.