Works start Monday 20 September over five nights

A section of the A96 between Insch and Huntly is to benefit from surfacing improvements worth £270,000 with work set to get underway next week.

The improvements will address defects along a 1km section of the A96 at Ythanwells Junction, creating a safer and smoother road surface for motorists.

The project is scheduled to begin on Monday 20 September and will take place over five nights between 7.30pm and 6.30am. All work is expected to be completed by 6.30am on Saturday 25 September, subject to weather conditions.

To ensure all roadworkers as well as motorists are kept safe throughout the project, temporary traffic lights with a 10mph convoy system will be in place for safety during periods of overnight construction works. 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 be 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 between Insch and Huntly, as well as create a smoother and safer journey for motorists.

“The traffic management is essential for everyone’s safety and regrettably some disruption for motorists is likely due to need to keep the temporary traffic signals in place during the day.

“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.