NEXT PHASE OF £1M ROAD SAFETY PROJECT ON A85 BETWEEN LIX TOLL AND CRIANLARICH TO BEGIN NEXT WEEK

• Project set to take up to eight weeks

The second phase of a £1M road safety improvement project on the A85 between Lix Toll Garage and east of Benmore is set to get underway next week.

The £1M project will involve teams installing over 1,400m of safety barrier along sections of the A85 to improve motorist safety.  Over 5,000 tonnes of rock armour will also be installed across two locations on the route at the shores of Loch Lubhair and steep embankment near Lix Toll Garage to protect the road and widen the verges next to the A85, ensuring the carriageway remains fully supported and protected from erosion.

The work is the second phase of road safety improvements in the area and follows on from the first phase which was completed earlier this year.

The project has been designed to provide a safer journey for the travelling public and is part of continuing investment in road safety on the A85 by Transport Scotland.

The improvements are scheduled to start on Monday 19 October and are expected to take place over eight weeks. To ensure the safety of roadworkers and motorists, temporary traffic lights and 30mph speed limit will be in place at all times throughout the project.  Traffic signals will remain in place continuously throughout the project for safety as road users will be passing open excavations next to the roadside.

Strict physical distancing protocols will be in place to ensure all site personnel remain safe once the project gets underway.

Commenting on the project, Eddie Ross, BEAR Scotland’s North West Representative said: “Road safety is a top priority at BEAR Scotland and Transport Scotland, and this scheme on the A85 is a continuation of our ongoing programme of work to improve motorist safety on the route.

“The new safety barriers will help ensure motorists are protected on the route, and the rock armour installations will help to stabilise and secure sections of the A85 to ensure they remain protected and safe for years to come.

“To keep everyone safe during the works temporary traffic lights will be in place throughout the project, however our teams will do all they can to complete the project as quickly and safely as possible.

“We encourage all road users to plan their journeys in advance by checking the Traffic Scotland website for up to date journey information.”

Real time journey information is available from Traffic Scotland on www.trafficscotland.org, twitter @trafficscotland or the new mobile site my.trafficscotland.org.