A90 Speed Limit Cut to 50mph in Angus After Resurfacing Raises Safety Barrier Concerns

A section of the A90 in Angus has been placed under an indefinite 50mph speed restriction after resurfacing work reduced the effective height of a central reservation safety barrier by approximately 50mm (2in), prompting concerns about road safety.

The affected stretch between St Ann’s and Keithock junctions, near Brechin, normally operates under the national 70mph speed limit for dual carriageways.

Scottish transport officials have confirmed that the lower limit will remain in place while further assessments are carried out, although no timetable has been announced for restoring the original speed limit.

A90 Resurfacing Work Leads to Safety Concerns

The speed restriction was introduced after engineering assessments identified that recent resurfacing had slightly raised the road level, reducing the effective height of the central reservation barrier.

The barrier is designed to help prevent vehicles from crossing into opposing traffic, particularly during collisions at higher speeds.

Following the resurfacing, concerns emerged that the reduced barrier height could affect its ability to provide the level of protection specified in the original road design.

Transport Secretary Stephen Flynn said the temporary safety measure was necessary while permanent improvements were considered.

“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.”

Although the restriction has no confirmed end date, Flynn maintained that its impact on motorists would be limited.

Drivers Face Minor Increase in Journey Times

According to the transport secretary, reducing the speed limit from 70mph to 50mph would increase average journey times along the affected section by “less than 90 seconds”.

The Scottish Government has presented the restriction as a precautionary measure intended to maintain road safety while engineers evaluate the condition and performance of the resurfaced route.

The A90 is an important transport corridor connecting communities across eastern Scotland, including Dundee, Angus and Aberdeen.

Any prolonged speed restriction on the route could affect regular commuters, commercial vehicles and motorists travelling between major towns and cities.

However, officials have indicated that the additional journey time is expected to remain relatively modest.

Scottish Government Questioned Over Duration of Speed Restriction

The issue was initially raised in the Scottish Parliament through a written question submitted by Conservative MSP Liam Kerr.

Kerr sought clarification about the circumstances surrounding the reduced speed limit and the implications of the resurfacing work.

Following the government’s initial response, he submitted another written question on Wednesday, asking when ministers expected the affected stretch of the A90 to return to its usual 70mph limit.

Flynn responded that several tests would be required to “evaluate the performance of the route following the recent resurfacing”.

However, he did not provide a specific date for completing those assessments or removing the restriction.

Further Engineering Assessments Required

The absence of a confirmed timetable means motorists could face the lower speed limit for an extended period.

The government has indicated that permanent improvements will be necessary, but the precise nature and timing of those works have not been established.

The outcome of the engineering assessments is expected to inform decisions about any further safety measures and whether the original speed limit can be reinstated.

Amey Explains Decision to Raise Road Surface

Engineering company Amey, which carried out the resurfacing, explained that the road’s existing construction influenced the approach taken during the works.

To preserve the integrity of the underlying road structure, engineers determined that laying a new asphalt surface over the existing concrete would be the most suitable option.

However, adding the new layer increased the road surface height, effectively reducing the central reservation safety barrier’s height by approximately 50mm.

In an online blog post, Amey acknowledged the resulting change and explained that the reduced speed limit had been introduced as a precaution.

Barrier Height Falls Short of Original Specifications

Amey also clarified that although the barrier no longer meets the height requirements set out in the original construction specifications, the reduction does not constitute a breach of the law.

The distinction between construction specifications and legal compliance has become a central aspect of the issue.

While the barrier remains legally compliant, the reduced height has prompted additional safety measures because of concerns about its performance at higher vehicle speeds.

The situation highlights the engineering challenges involved in maintaining major roads while preserving existing infrastructure and meeting safety requirements.

When Will the A90 Return to 70mph?

For now, the affected section of the A90 between St Ann’s and Keithock will remain subject to the 50mph restriction.

Scottish ministers have not confirmed when the necessary assessments or permanent improvements will be completed.

The decision to restore the 70mph limit will depend on the findings of further engineering evaluations and the implementation of any required safety measures.

Until then, motorists travelling through the affected section near Brechin will need to observe the reduced limit, with road safety remaining the government’s stated priority.