• A9 Bankfoot 26 February-2 March (lane closure with convoy)

BEAR Scotland, acting on behalf of Transport Scotland, is carrying out essential landscape works to remove potentially hazardous trees affected by Ash Die Back disease at the A9 Bankfoot.

The scheme will take place from the evening of Monday 26 February 2024 to the morning of Saturday 2 March, taking place between 7pm and 6am each of the 5 nights. There will be a northbound lane closure with a convoy system and a speed limit of 10mph for the safety of roadworkers and road users. Southbound traffic will be unaffected by the work.

The project is being carried out by specialist contractor, Ayrshire Tree Surgeons on behalf of BEAR. The trees will be removed mechanically with specialist dedicated equipment.

Ian Stewart, BEAR Scotland’s NW Representative said: “Ash Die Back disease is such that a large proportion of ash trees in the UK are likely to be affected and will require to be removed. Affected ash trees near to the trunk road represent a risk to road users so following an area-wide review we are now arranging for their removal of trees which represent an imminent risk. The works started last year and are now continuing at the A9. It is essential for safety that we put traffic management measures in place while we remove potentially hazardous trees.

“We understand that this will be disruptive and have planned the works to take place at night when traffic flows are lower to reduce the impact.

“The nature of the works will result in a slight increase in noise levels and we apologise in advance for the inconvenience this may cause.

“We thank road users and the local community for their patience and understanding.”

Consultation is taking place with relevant stakeholders in advance of these works to make them aware of the traffic management arrangements and to minimise any inconvenience.

All works are weather dependent and subject to postponement in the event of adverse conditions.

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