A zebra crossing on Harbour Road in Mallaig is to be upgraded to a new signalised puffin crossing to improve road safety in the area, with works starting later this month.

The five-week project will also include improvements to the adjacent footway, carriageway resurfacing and new road markings.

The project is will get underway from Monday 26 April, with the majority of the work taking place between 7am and 7pm each day for five weeks. No work will take place at weekends.

Temporary traffic lights will be in place throughout the project for safety. Due to the nature of the works, some sections of the footway will remain closed at times, however a temporary crossing facility and diversion route will be in place as required. Access for emergency services will be maintained at all times throughout the project.

A short section of the project will take place overnight for three nights to allow a new road surface to be safely installed. This phase will take place overnight from Tuesday 18 May for three nights, from 7pm to 7am, with teams using a 10mph convoy system to safely escort traffic through the work site while the new road surface is installed. The convoy system will be removed during the daytime to keep disruption to a minimum.

Consultation is underway with local residents, businesses, the local authority and emergency services to make them aware of the works and the traffic management arrangements that will be in place.

Strict physical distancing protocols, in line with Scottish Government COVID-19 guidance, will be in place to protect site personnel and the public for the duration of the project.

Eddie Ross, BEAR Scotland’s North West Representative, said: “Installation of a new puffin crossing at the site of the existing zebra crossing on Harbour Road in Mallaig will improve pedestrian safety for users of the A830.

“Our team will do everything they can to keep disruption to a minimum and complete the project quickly and safely.”

Real-time journey planning information can be obtained by visiting www.trafficscotland.org, twitter at @trafficscotland or the new mobile site my.trafficscotland.org.