£265,000 OVERNIGHT SURFACING IMPROVEMENTS

Works start Tuesday 2 March for six nights

A section of the A96 between Fochabers and Lhanbryde is set to benefit from surfacing improvements worth £265,000 with work set to get underway next week.

The improvements will address defects in the road surface on the A96 between Fochabers and Lhanbryde, creating a safer and smoother road surface for motorists.

The project is scheduled to begin on Tuesday 2 March and will take place over six nights between 7.30pm and 6.30am, with all work expected to be completed by 6.30am on Wednesday 10 March, subject to weather conditions. No works are programme for Friday or Saturday nights.

To ensure the safety of roadworkers and motorists, a 10mph convoy system will be in place during working hours. All traffic management will be removed outwith working hours.

Consultation has taken place with all relevant stakeholders in advance of the resurfacing improvements to make them aware of the traffic management arrangements and to minimise any inconvenience.

Strict physical distancing protocols, in accordance with Scottish Government COVID-19 guidance, will be implemented to protect the operatives that are undertaking the works.

Commenting on the improvements, Ian Stewart, BEAR Scotland’s North East Representative, said: “This £265,000 investment from Transport Scotland will greatly improve and strengthen this section of the A96, as well as create a smoother and safer journey for motorists.

“We’ve taken steps to minimise disruption for motorists as much as possible during the improvements, including carrying out the works overnight and removing all traffic management during the daytime to further limit any impact to motorists.

“We thank motorists for their patience in advance while our teams carry out these essential works 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 adopting Scottish Environment Project Agency (SEPA) approved construction methods and disposal of waste materials to the approved standards.