• Carriageway resurfacing works to start on Sunday 20 August for 18 nights

• Traffic Management: 1. A889 Sgriob Ruadh – Convoy with two-way lights 2. A889 South of Allt Breakachy Bridge – Road closure with diversion

BEAR Scotland, Transport Scotland’s trunk road operating company, is set to start essential road improvement works on the A889 single carriageway at Sgriob Ruadh and South of Allt Breakachy Bridge between Dalwhinnie and Laggan, beginning on the night of Sunday 20 August 2023 and spanning over 18 nights.

Scope of Work and Schedule

The project entails comprehensive carriageway surface upgrades across two key areas along the A889, aimed at enhancing road safety and conditions for motorists. These upgrades will cover a total of 1900 metres on the A889, at the following locations:

• A889 Sgriob Ruadh (North of Dalwhinnie)
• A889 South of Allt Breakachy Bridge (South of Catlodge)

The works are scheduled to be completed by 6am on Wednesday 13 September 2023. There will be no works on Friday or Saturday nights.

Construction Phases and Traffic Management

Scheme 1 – A889 Sgriob Ruadh:

Start date: Sunday 20 August 2023, 7pm

End date: Wednesday 6 September 2023, 6am

Traffic Management: Convoy with two-way traffic lights

Scheme 2 – A889 South of Allt Breakachy Bridge:

Start date: Wednesday 6 September 2023, 7pm

End date: Wednesday 13 September 2023, 6am

Traffic Management: Road closure with diversion (access for local residents)

Diversion Route

• A signed diversion route will be in place to guide motorists around the road closure and work areas. For those travelling from the A9 to the A86, the diversion route will lead from the A9/A889 Dalwhinnie Junction northward to Kingussie. Subsequently, traffic will be directed onto the A86 via the Kingussie off slip, proceeding west through Kingussie, Newtonmore, and finally reaching Laggan. The reverse diversion route will be in place for traffic travelling from the A86 to the A9.

• There will be two points where limited access will be allowed along the A889 during the closure. The first point is at the southern end of the closure, which is between the A9/A889 Dalwhinnie Junction and the A889 Crubenmore Junction, located just north of Dalwhinnie. The second point is at the northern end of the closure, which is between the Glentruim/Catlodge Junction and the A889/A86 Laggan Junction.

• The A889 will be fully closed between the Crubenmore Junction (just north of Dalwhinnie) and the Glentruim/Catlodge Junction. However, there will be access at all times for local residents, emergency services and works-related traffic.

Both ends of the closure will be staffed and managed.

Map 1 shows where the A889 carriageway will be fully closed for Scheme 2 (South of Allt Breakachy Bridge).

Map 2 shows the diversion route that will be in place for Scheme 2.

During non-working hours, the temporary traffic management measures will be lifted. Throughout the day, a 30mph speed limit will be in effect as a temporary surface and ramps will be used.

In addition, signs will be placed on the A9 to say that businesses within Dalwhinnie will be open as usual.

Access through the works site for emergency services will be maintained at all times.

Ian Stewart, BEAR Scotland’s North West Representative said: “These crucial surfacing projects along the A889 will fix existing defects and significantly enhance the driving experience for all motorists. Our teams are committed to executing these works quickly and with safety as our top priority. We extend our gratitude to the local community and road users for their patience while we complete the improvements.

“To minimise delays, we recommend that motorists plan their journeys in advance by consulting the Traffic Scotland website for real-time travel updates.”

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