A9 Road Safety To Benefit From New Road Marking And Solar Road Studs

A stretch of the A9 on the west of the Cairngorms in Scotland is due to be closed overnight for six weeks for essential road marking and the installation of new solar road studs.

BEAR Scotland, on behalf of Transport Scotland will be working on a 7.5 mile (12km) single-lane section between the Kincraig duals and the A938 Carrbridge junction from Monday 26 August for six weeks.  They’ll be working with road marking company WJ Group, who in turn will be installing Clearview Intelligence SolarLite road studs.

Works will be carried out from 7pm to 6am to minimise disruption, with no works on Saturday and Sunday nights.  Two-way traffic lights with a convoy system will be in use to protect the workforce and road users.

SolarLite studs provide ten times better visibility than traditional reflective studs, illuminating of up to 900 metres. This significantly increases driver reaction times, delivers ten nights’ operation on three hours of bright daylight and gives drivers a clear indication of lanes and junctions in all weather, enhancing driver confidence.

Chris Keenan, Director of Business – Scotland at Clearview Intelligence commented: “We are pleased to see the ongoing investment and enhancements to the A9, highlighted by the implementation of our solar powered road studs and WJ’s high-quality markings. This progress underscores the effectiveness of these innovations in enhancing safety across the Transport Scotland and Bear Scotland network.”

Complementing the SolarLite road studs is WJ Group’s Weatherline Plus high-performance road marking, which features a unique dotted profile that enhances visibility, particularly during wet nights, outperforming other products in similar conditions by rising above water, ensuring consistent retro-reflection. It includes a bio-based binder, offers a five-year lifespan, and reduces carbon emissions by 72% compared to traditional thermoplastics, which WJ says makes it an environmentally responsible choice

Brian Smith, General Manager of WJ Scotland, highlighted the importance of this collaboration: “Working with Clearview Intelligence allows us to deliver exceptional road safety solutions. The SolarLite road studs are a perfect example of how innovation can enhance safety while also supporting sustainability by reducing the need for street lighting. We are excited to see the positive impact these upgrades will have on the A9.”

Ian Stewart, BEAR Scotland’s Northwest Representative said: “These road marking and road stud refresh works on the A9 will greatly improve visibility and safety for road users.”

(Picture courtesy of WJ)