Two sections of the A96 at Kintore are set to benefit from resurfacing improvements worth £135,000 with works starting next week.
The improvements will address defects in the road surface on the northbound and southbound on-slips of the A96 at Tavelty, creating a safer and smoother road surface for motorists.
The overnight improvements are scheduled to start on Monday 7 December and will take place over five nights between 7.30pm and 6.30am each night, with all works expected to be completed by 6.30am on Wednesday 16 December.
To help minimise disruption as much as possible, the project will take place in phases which is programmed as follows:
To ensure the safety of the roadworkers and motorists, a single lane closure will be in place on the A96 northbound with the closure of both the on-slip and off-slip during working hours. A signed diversion will be in place during these closures.
For safety, a single lane closure will be in place on the A96 southbound with the closure of both the on-slip and off-slip during the working hours. A signed diversion will be in place during these closures.
The final night of the improvements will involve teams reinstating road markings on each slip road. To ensure the safety of the roadworkers and motorists, a single lane closure will be in place on the A96, with the northbound and southbound slips being closed at different times throughout the night. A signed diversion will be in place during these closures.
For safety, temporary traffic lights will also be in place on the B987 during each night of the project. All traffic management will be removed during the daytime.
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 line with Scottish Government COVID-19 guidance, will be in place to ensure all site personnel remain safe once the project gets underway. New safe operation procedures and risk assessments have also been developed to ensure teams are kept safe throughout the project.
Commenting on the improvements, Ian Stewart, BEAR Scotland’s North East Unit Representative, said: “This £135,000 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 traffic management during the daytime.
“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.
All waste materials and spoil resulting from these road works will be re-cycled in accordance with Scottish Environment Project Agency (SEPA) policies and procedures.
Winter Portal 
Planned Works 
Report a Defect