BEAR SCOTLAND GEARS UP FOR STORM BERT – BEAR Scotland

• Additional resources in place to address any issues

• 24/7 control rooms monitoring conditions

The second named storm of winter is on its way with Amber weather warnings in place across Scotland. BEAR Scotland, which looks after the trunk roads in North West and South East of Scotland, is primed to tackle whatever weather conditions Storm Bert brings.

BEAR Scotland’s 24/7 control rooms will be monitoring conditions so that any issues can be addressed as quickly as possible. That includes specialist resources on hand to remove fallen trees.

The winter frontline fleet will initially focus on carrying out precautionary treatments aimed to stop ice forming. This involves spreading pre-wetted salt on routes forecast to experience low temperatures. Further treatments are planned prior to snow falling and then all our winter frontline fleet will be deployed to plough and treat the network as necessary.

In addition, our winter service patrol vehicles will be deployed overnight and into Saturday to monitor the conditions on their routes and will be on hand to assist with clearing snow where it accumulates.

Forecasts indicate there may be very strong winds. As such, restrictions may be required on bridges such as Skye Bridge, Kessock Bridge, Dornoch Bridge, Cromarty Bridge and the Forth Road Bridge.

The A1, in SE Scotland, is also expected to be impacted by the high winds. There is also expected to be some ice and snow, particularly on high ground.

Forecasts indicate there may be a risk of ice accretion on the Queensferry Crossing. BEAR’s ice monitoring teams will patrol and inspect the bridge and staff in the control room will closely monitor live data from the weather sensors.

If flooding occurs, we have specialist teams on standby that can attend affected areas and help clear the roads.

Ian Stewart, BEAR Scotland’s Operating Company Representative for the North West, said: “We are fully prepped and are closely monitoring conditions and will act quickly when required.

“We remind members of the public to check before travelling. Traffic Scotland is a great source of the latest journey information and advice. Drivers of high sided and wind-susceptible vehicles such as caravans and trailers should take particular care and check for restrictions.”

DISRUPTION TO PLANNED WORKS

There has been changes to scheduled works given the expected conditions.

South East

• M80 major works near Denny – tonight’s works have been postponed to tomorrow night. This means the contraflow will start on 24 November instead of 23 November.

North West

• A9 South of Alness – works will not take place on Sunday 24 November and will now take place on Monday 25 November until Monday 2 December.
• A83 Ardgenavan to Drishaig – weekend works have been cancelled and will now take place between Tuesday 26 November and Monday 2 December.
• A83 Ardgartan to Honeymoon Bridge – no works will place over the weekend and will now take place between Monday 2 December and Wednesday 11 December.
• A82 North of Tychat – Due to delays on other schemes, works on the A82 North of Tychat have been postponed until the new year and will now take place on Tuesday 28 January 2025 for 7 nights.
• A828 Kentallan – works on the A828 at Kentallan, South of Ballachulish will now take place on Tuesday 26 November.
• A85 Kilmaronaig – works on the A85 at Kilmaronaig, East of Connel will take place on Thursday 28 November.
• A83 Rest and Be Thankful – diverted onto the Old Military Road from 2pm on Saturday 23 November.

TIPS FOR DRIVING IN WINTER:

• Only travel when absolutely necessary
• Allow more time for your journey
• Listen to local and national radio for travel and weather information
• Slow down and leave increased distance between you and the vehicle in front.
• Be prepared when travelling. Keep the following in your vehicle:
• Ice scraper
• De-icer
• Torch
• Warm clothes including gloves and hats
• Blanket
• Shovel
• Food & drink
• High visibility jacket
• First aid kit
• Check:

• Your tyres are at the correct pressures and have good tread.
• Your vehicle lights are clean and working.
• Your wiper blades are effective.
• Your battery is in good condition and fully charged.
• Your vehicle anti-freeze is the right concentration (a garage can do this for you).
• Your windows and mirrors are clear of ice or condensation.
• Drivers can get winter driving advice at: http://trafficscotland.org/media/badweatherleaflet.pdf

BEAR is also on hand to deal with any issues on the trunk roads brought on by storms that bring high winds and heavy rain. Gully tankers, sandbags and water pumps are available to deal with any flooding issues and chainsaw operatives are also on standby to attend any fallen trees or branches.

Real time journey information is available from Traffic Scotland at www.traffic.gov.scot or on X at @trafficscotland.

All work is weather dependent and subject to postponement or cancellation in the event of adverse conditions.