north west
STAKEHOLDER NEWSLETTER
SUMMER
2021
A85 West of Tibbermore Resurfacing
www.bearscot.com
Welcome Welcome to our summer newsletter for the North West trunk road unit. Recently BEAR Scotland joined Transport Scotland and Amey in a national campaign to raise awareness of the abuse directed at roadworkers by motorists on an often daily basis when working throughout the trunk road network. We shared a series of videos on social media that highlighted first-hand experiences from our teams and underlined statistics generated from a survey of Scotland’s roadworkers on the trunk road network. We have a zero-tolerance approach to abuse of any kind against our teams - you can read more about the campaign on page three. In Argyll, further landslip mitigation measures were recently completed on the A83 at the Rest and Be Thankful. The fifth phase of the catch-pits will provide additional resilience against potential landslips, helping to add further protection to the A83. Read more about the ongoing project on page five.
Eddie Ross Favourable weather conditions have allowed our Planned Maintenance team to push on BEAR Scotland’s with their extensive programme of surfacing projects which is vital for ensuring the network North West Operating remains reliable for motorists. Our Bridges team also continue to ensure structures across Company Representative trunk roads in the North West of Scotland are maintained to the highest of standards. There’s more on page six. Road safety continues to be a top priority for BEAR Scotland and Transport Scotland. One focus has been to enhance active travel facilities on the A82 through Inverness which has seen various pedestrian improvements carried out since early 2020. As the third phase of improvements were completed recently, we’ve provided an overview of the project on page eight and how it has benefitted the local community so far. We were delighted to invite members of the local community, local elected members and representatives from the Highland Council along to officially open a new footway and bus layby on the A87 at Sligachan on the Isle of Syke. The new bus layby will provide a safe space for buses to pull in from the A87 and allow passengers to safely board. More on page nine. BEAR Scotland continued to support local and national charities by making donations to the Scottish Charity Air Ambulance, Perth Autism Support and as a silver sponsor to a team participating in the Coast to Coast 24 hour challenge, raising funds for the My Name’5 Doddie Foundation and the fight against motor neurone disease. Find out more on page ten. As ever I hope you find this newsletter an insightful read and I welcome any feedback you may have.
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New campaign reveals scale of Roadworker Threats and Abuse Abuse and negative driver behaviour is something roadworkers are faced with on an often daily basis across Scotland’s trunk road network – and it will not be tolerated. This summer BEAR joined with Transport Scotland and the other Operating Companies to highlight the impact and scale of this abuse and how we’re working together to stamp it out. A new survey carried out across Scotland’s trunk road companies, including BEAR, Amey, Connect and Autolink, outlined some of the main challenges faced by staff while doing their jobs. The findings revealed that: •
One in four of staff surveyed said that the abuse they have experienced at work has affected their mental health.
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Almost one in ten staff said they’ve been subject to physical abuse in the past year.
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One in five reported having missiles thrown at them in the past year.
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Nearly two out of three roadworkers have been verbally abused by passing motorists.
The campaign sought to highlight these issues and share experiences from those on the ground who had suffered abuse. A series of videos was released on social media featuring BEAR Scotland roadworkers who explained how the abuse affects them when they are only trying to do their job.
John Willox, a BEAR Scotland operative, explains the impact of a recent incident: “I was operating a Stop/Go board at a work site. A car pulled up, the driver got out and verbally abused me aggressively. Eventually he got back into his car and then tried to drive around me. He mounted the verge, knocked over the Stop/Go board and actually clipped the side of my body to get past. “He continued to shout abuse at other members of the team and drove dangerously through the live works area, speeding off before the police arrived. It was lucky no-one was seriously injured. Why do people think they can act like that and put others at risk?” Throughout the pandemic roadworkers were classified as key workers helping to maintain the transport network allowing other key workers, such as NHS and supermarket staff, to get to and from work. BEAR Scotland has a zerotolerance approach when it comes to abuse aimed at roadworkers who are out working on the network keeping the roads safe.
Minister for Transport, Graeme Dey said: “The abuse of our roadworkers is completely unacceptable and the results of the survey show just how big a problem it is. No one deserves to face this kind of behaviour while doing their job. “I find it particularly upsetting to hear of the impact these incidents have on the mental health of staff, many of whom were carrying out essential maintenance of our trunk road network during the COVID-19 pandemic. “The Scottish Government fully supports the efforts to raise awareness of these incidents and the call for action to tackle roadworker abuse. I would also like to thank front line staff for their continued hard work and dedication during the pandemic.” BEAR Scotland has recently introduced 360-degree camera coverage for its fleet and is extending the roll out of body cams for its front line workers. The footage from the increased use of cameras is already providing valuable evidence to progress prosecutions. Iain Murray, BEAR Scotland Managing Director, said: “It is totally unacceptable to expect regular verbal abuse that in the past has seeped over into physical abuse in your daily working life. It is not surprising that this survey reveals the wider impact of this on the mental wellbeing of our operatives – whether through being on the receiving end of an irate driver’s ire or the impact of repeated negativity from road users. “The only way to address this is with a zero-tolerance approach. We are continuing to invest in vehicle and body cams which will ensure this behaviour is captured and footage can be used in prosecutions against offenders.” Roadworker abuse will not be tolerated. It is time to stamp it out.
Next phase of landslip mitigation work completed at the Rest and Be Thankful
The fifth phase of catch-pit construction at the Rest and Be Thankful was completed recently which will provide additional resilience to the A83 and help mitigate against any future landslips in the area. Construction of the £1.1M catch-pit began in September last year following the initial clear-up of the major landslides in the area in 2020. Teams worked to complete the project alongside teams that were focused on repairing the road and hillside following the landslips in the area. The new catch-pit has been built into the slope next to the A83 and is approximately 120m long, around 12m wide and capable of holding around 4,500 tonnes of debris material. The new catch-pit joins onto the existing catch-pits in the area that are located at strategic points adjacent to the A83 carriageway, forming a trench to help prevent material reaching the roadside. Together, the catch-pits have the potential to store a combined total of almost 20,000 tonnes of debris material from landslides in the area. Teams are continuing with further mitigation work at the Rest and Be Thankful, including work to strengthen the hillside above the A83 and development of the next catch-pit at the foot of the steep channel formed by major landslides in August and September last year. Minister for Transport, Graeme Dey visited the Rest and Be Thankful in June to see the ongoing construction of mitigation measures in the area, as well as to meet the teams involved in responding to landslides in the area to understand the scale and impact that the landslips in 2020 have had on the hillside. Eddie Ross, BEAR Scotland’s North West Representative said: “The completion of another catch-pit at the Rest and Be Thankful is another step forward in strengthening the landslide mitigation measures for the A83. “Teams remain onsite continuing with further resilience measures in the area, including preparations to begin construction of the new permanent catch-pit beneath the steep channel carved out by landslips in 2020. “As ever we thank the local community and motorists for their continued patience while we continue this important work to strengthen resilience on the A83.” From bottom left, clockwise: Graeme Dey Transport Minister (centre) visits the Rest and Be Thankful. Above: Excavator progressing with removing material to form the new catch-pit. Top left: Teams continue to install additional mitigation measures. Top right: The fifth phase of catch-pit construction nearning completion.
Summer surfacing improvements
It has been a demanding time across trunk roads in the North West of Scotland with various resurfacing improvements projects taking place to ensure routes continue to operate safely for years to come for road users. Since April, Transport Scotland has invested over £9.5M across 79 road resurfacing programmes in the North West.
"We would like to thank motorists and the local communities for their continued patience as we ensure the network remains at the highest of standards.”
Some of Scotland’s most popular tourist routes have been upgraded including the A83 between Kennacraig and Tarbet. Over £215,000 was invested into creating a smoother and safer route across three locations which involved teams closing the road overnight so work could be completed safely. The A85 also saw improvements made between Methven and St Fillans as well as five locations between Dalmally and Connel. For safety, each project required a series of traffic management systems to be in place, including overnight closures which allowed teams to carry out the projects with minimal disruption to road users. Over £200,000 worth of carriageway improvements were carried out on the A82 north of Aberchalder Swing Bridge. Improvements also took place on the A82 at busy sections next to Loch Lomond, Drumnadrochit and Fort Augustus. Sean Robertson, BEAR Scotland’s North West Planned Maintenance Manager, said: “It has been a busy time for our teams as we continue to deliver our programme of surfacing schemes to upgrade the road network in the north west. We are conscious of planning surfacing projects to cause as minimal disruption to road users as possible – particularly during the summer months when routes are popular with tourists and those headed on staycations. “Whilst we always aim to carry out any resurfacing works as efficiently as possible, some closures and diversions are often required however we work with local communities to consult in advance wherever possible to try and ensure we minimise disruption.
Top and middle: Resurfacing work is carried out on a stretch of the A85 west of Tibbermore in Perth and Kinross. Bottom: The A83 Rest and Be Thankful viewpoint carpark was also upgraded in the summer.
£1.5M bridge replacement on A887 near Glenmoriston A project to replace a bridge on the A887 near Glenmoriston is making good progress since getting underway earlier this year. The £1.5M investment from Transport Scotland involves teams replacing the existing sub-standard bridge, built in 1948, with a new box culvert structure. The replacement structure has been designed to last for 120 years and is being constructed approximately 10m east from the old bridge. So far, teams have completed the construction of a temporary traffic signal-controlled diversion road next to the site which will allow A887 traffic to be maintained with minimal disruption throughout the project. The construction of the temporary road allowed the existing bridge structure to be safely demolished and the new precast concrete bridge and wingwalls to be installed without impacting traffic. Teams have also installed a temporary bat fence as environmental mitigation to prevent a nearby bat roost being disturbed by temporary road traffic. Once complete, the new structure will enable the A887 to be widened to a minimum of 6m with 1.5m verges at either side. New safety barriers will also be installed as part of the work, ensuring the bridge continues to operate safely for years to come.
A82 Inverness pedestrian crossing improvements
The third phase of a major road safety improvement project to improve the facilities for pedestrians and cyclists on the A82 between Tomnahurich Roundabout and Longman Roundabout in Inverness were recently completed after getting underway in April this year. Improvements at the junction of Kenneth Street and Tomnachurich Street involved teams upgrading the traffic signals and installing controlled pedestrian crossings over all four approaches of the junction. The project also includes improvements to the footway, carriageway resurfacing and new road markings, helping to improve road safety in the area. The third phase of the project formed part of a wider programme of pedestrian improvements on the A82 through Inverness, and follows on from the installation of new signalised pedestrian crossings on the A82 at Smith Avenue which has been operational since last year, as well as the recently installed crossing at Montague Row, which was completed in February. The overall aim of the project is to improve safety and encourage active travel by installing safer and better located crossing points as well as improving the footways for both cyclists and pedestrians. Kevin McKechnie, BEAR Scotland’s North West Road Safety Manager, said: “We are delighted to see the third phase of this major road safety project on the A82 through Inverness completed. The new facilities will provide a safer area for pedestrians and hopefully encourage more journeys by active travel. “We’ve already seen the positive impact that the two new controlled crossing facilities at Smith Avenue and Montague Row have had on the local community. Road safety remains a top priority for BEAR Scotland and Transport Scotland and this project is part of our commitment to that.”
A85 Lix Toll road safety improvements The second phase of major road safety improvements on the A85 between Lix Toll Garage and Crianlarich was completed in May. The project involved teams widening an 800m section of the verge at Lix Toll Garage and installing over 400 tonnes of rock armour. Teams also installed safety barriers along the length of steep slopes on the route which will reduce the 2. risk 1. of serious injury to road users. Additional motorcyclist post protection systems were also installed at some of the bends which aims to help reduce the risk of injury to motorcyclists in the event of a collision with the safety barrier. 1: Completed road safety improvements on the A85 near Lix Toll Garage. 2: First stages of the project underway with work taking place to widen the verges next to the A85. 3: Progress made with the installation of upgraded road safety barriers.
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New bus stop opened on the A87 at Sligachan A new footway and bus layby on the A87 at Sligachan on the Isle of Syke was officially opened by members of the local community at a special ceremony this summer. The project began in March and was completed in June with local Skye resident Una Macleod invited along to officially open the new facilities. Una was joined by some of the BEAR team who built the project along with members of the local community, local elected members and representatives from the Highland Council ahead of officially cutting the ribbon declaring the new bus-stop open. Prior to the bus layby being built, Una Macleod, a Skye resident from Sleat, frequently had to flag the bus down on the A87 at Sligachan when no official stop was available. Una and the local community reached out to BEAR and Transport Scotland with their concerns, and a new bus layby has now been built. Teams from BEAR installed the new bus layby and over 125m of new footway, helping to improve pedestrian access to the campsite and nearby Sligachan Hotel. The project also includes a new bus shelter provided by The Highland Council. Work was also carried out to improve the roadside drainage system, safety
barriers and road signs at this location, improving safety for all users of the A87. BEAR Scotland Senior Project Engineer Bob Bruce, said: “The new bus layby is already being well used by people and visitors to the area alike, and we’re so pleased that this project has been well received by the local community. “We thank all motorists and the local community for their patience while we worked to complete this project safely and hope the new facilities will help make a real difference in the area and encourage more people to use the bus.”
BEAR donate £1,000 to International Otter Survival Fund
BEAR Scotland has donated £1,000 on behalf of all staff to Skye based charity International Otter Survival Fund (IOSF), a firm dedicated to the conservation, protection and care of otters.
Above: BEAR Scotland's Ardelve Supervisor Fraser Struthers met with IOSF Development Officer Helen Stephenson and Education & Research Offier Ben Yoxon to hear more about the work they do.
International Otter Survival Fund is the third charity this year to benefit from a new charity initiative launched by BEAR Scotland which focuses on local and regional causes across the country. Staff from all areas of BEAR Scotland were invited to nominate local charities which were most important to them. BEAR Scotland Environmental Adviser, Sarah RauchLynch nominated IOSF due to her passion for looking after the environment as well as her knowledge of the importance of the work and research that IOSF carry out. Sarah said: “I nominated the IOSF because they are a local charity base on the Isle of Skye who work hard to protect otters and raise awareness of the species in Scotland and worldwide. “Otters are one of Scotland’s most iconic native species and we regularly encounter them on the North West trunk road network along our coasts, rivers and canals. We are equally as passionate about protecting otters in the team here at BEAR, so it is great to support a fantastic charity.” Fraser Struthers, BEAR Scotland’s Ardelve Depot Supervisor, recently met with IOSF’s Development Officer Helen Stephenson and Education & Research Officer Ben Yoxon to hear about the work they carry out to protect otters.
IOSF Director, Grace Yoxon said: “We were delighted to receive a donation of £1,000 from BEAR Scotland towards our local work on Skye. This will be used for our Team Otter club for children and will also go towards our new Otter Hospital, which will help provide specialist veterinary care for otters." BEAR Scotland regularly carries out otter surveys to determine whether projects may impact otters or their resting places. If an otter resting place is found near a proposed BEAR Scotland project, camera traps are implemented which helps with monitoring otter use of the site. Mitigation measures are then put in place to reduce any impacts of works on otters so that they continue to thrive in waterways and coastal areas.
International Women in Engineering Day International Women In Engineering Day takes place every year on 23 June, and this year BEAR supported the day by sharing profiles of some of our team featuring what inspired them to get into engineering. Led by the Women in Engineering Society, the day exists to encourage more women and girls to take up careers in engineering. Find out what inspired Sarah, Surekha and Evegina into pursuing a career in the Engineering Industry by clicking the image.
BEAR takes home Gold award for Health and Safety for fifth year in a row In July we were delighted to be presented with a Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA) Gold Award for our health and safety performance for the fifth year in a row. RoSPA is at the heart of accident prevention in the UK and determine industry standards for health and safety. Receiving this Gold Award for the fifth year demonstrates our continued commitment to working safely in all that we do. The safety of our employees as well as all road users remains our number one priority and we’ll continue to develop the health and safety management systems in place to ensure all our people remain safe.
BEAR Scotland charity donations Scottish Charity Air Ambulance (SCAA) Teams at BEAR helped raise over £4,300 for the Scottish Charity Air Ambulance (SCAA) by taking on Scotland’s Virtual Kiltwalk for the first time. The 21-strong team set themselves a three-week challenge of reaching 1,578 miles between them which is the total length of the trunk road network that BEAR manage and maintain on behalf of Transport Scotland. After three weeks, the team clocked up an impressive 1,793 miles between them – with some Kiltwalkers even completing the event in full kilt-attire! Graduate Engineer Matthew Ross, one of BEAR’s Kiltwalkers, visited the SCAA Headquarters at Perth Airport to meet the team after helping raise funds for the brilliant charity and hear more about some of the incredible work that they do. Keep an eye out for more ways in which BEAR will be supporting SCAA throughout the year. Perth Autism Support BEAR Scotland donated £1,000 to Perth Autism Support, a brilliant charity which helps support autistic children and young people up to the age of 18 and their families in Perthshire. The charity was nominated as part of a new internal charity focus where all staff were invited to put forward local causes which are important to them for BEAR to reach out to and support. Perth Autism Support was nominated by two members of BEAR, Network Officer Bill Park and Incident Liaison Officer Gareth White, who both put forward the local charity earlier this year. They recently both met with Elaine Finnie from the charity at their head office in the city centre after it was announced the charity would be first to receive a £1,000 donation from the firm. We’re proud to continue to support causes which are important to our teams and look forward to supporting further charitable organisations throughout the year. Coast to Coast Challenge BEAR Scotland were a silver sponsor of a team taking part in the Coast to Coast 24 hours challenge (C2C24) in June. The team of eight walked, ran, cycled and kayaked their way from Portpatrick on Scotland’s west coast to Cockburnspath on the east coast within 24 hours. The 174-mile trip was to help raise funds for the My Name’5 Doddie Foundation and the fight against motor neurone disease. The team managed to raise over £25,000! BEAR Scotland has supported MND Scotland and My Name’5 Doddie Foundation for some years in memory of a colleague who also had the condition, and they are organisations which are very important to us.
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