Works start Wednesday 21 April, for three nights

The A96 east of Dramlachs is set to benefit from overnight surfacing improvements starting 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 Wednesday 21 April and will take place over three nights between 7.30pm and 6.30am. All works are expected to be completed by 6.30am on Monday 26 April.

To ensure roadworkers as well as road users are kept safe during the project, a 10mph convoy will be in place to safely escort traffic through the work site during working hours. The convoy system will be removed outwith working hours. No work will be carried out on Friday 23 or Saturday 24 April.

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 allow us to address defects on this section of the A96, creating a smoother and safer journey for road users.

“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’re also avoiding working on Friday or Saturday night to further limit any impact.

“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.