Works start Monday 19 April

A section of the A96 west of Forres at the Darnaway Junction is set to be resurfaced over two nights starting from Monday next week.

The improvements will address defects in the road surface creating a safer and smoother road surface for motorists.

The overnight improvements are scheduled to start on Monday 19 April and will take place over two nights between 7.30pm and 6.30am, with all works expected to be completed by 6.30am on Wednesday 21 April.

To keep roadworkers as well as road users safe, a 10mph convoy will be in place. Traffic management will be removed outwith these times.

Consultation has taken place with all relevant stakeholders in advance of the surfacing 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.

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

“The traffic management is essential for everyone’s safety however 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 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.