Works start Thursday 16 September over three nights

A section of the A96 near Huntly is to benefit from surfacing improvements worth £145,000 with work set to get underway this week.

The improvements will address defects across a 500m section of the A96 at Leys of Dummuies, east of Huntly, creating a safer and smoother road surface for motorists.

The project is scheduled to begin on Thursday 16 September and will take place over three nights between 7.30pm and 6.30am. All work is expected to be completed by 6.30am on Monday 20 September, subject to weather conditions. No works will take place on Saturday night.

To ensure all roadworkers as well as motorists are kept safe throughout the project, temporary traffic signals with a 10mph convoy system will be in place overnight. The convoy system will be removed outwith working hours however due to the nature of the works, one lane of the A96 will remain closed and temporary traffic lights will remain in place for safety.

Consultation has taken place with all relevant stakeholders in advance of the surfacing improvements to make them aware of the traffic management arrangements.

Commenting on the improvements, Ian Stewart, BEAR Scotland’s North East Representative, said: “This overnight surfacing project will greatly improve and strengthen this section of the A96, as well as create a smoother and safer journey for motorists.

“The traffic management is essential for everyone’s safety and some disruption for motorists is likely as the temporary traffic signals will remain in place during the day although  the works are being carried out overnight.

“We thank motorists for their patience in advance while our teams carry out these essential improvements on the A96. We encourage road users to plan their journeys in advance by checking the Traffic Scotland website for up to date traffic information and allow some extra time to reach their destination.”

Real-time journey planning information can be obtained by visiting www.trafficscotland.org, twitter at @trafficscotland or via the new mobile site my.trafficscotland.org.

Materials removed from the existing carriageway will be recycled using SEPA approved methods.