Works planned for new A96 crossing in Elgin

ROADWORKS will take place on a north-east trunk road as a new signalised crossing is installed.

Work on the stretch of the A96 immediately to the west of Dr Gray's Hospital roundabout in Elgin will start on January 6 and take up to six weeks.

Under the scheme, the existing crossing point will be improved to create a safer, signal controlled crossing.

Localised widening of the pavement shall also be carried out to reduce the crossing distance.

Traffic management will be in place for the duration of the project to allow works to take place as quickly and as safely as possible.

That will include a series of restrictions with local diversions in place.

For safety, the road will be restricted in alternate directions as the project progresses with traffic diverted along the B9010 Pluscarden Road and Wittet Drive as required.

Parking restrictions will also be in place to ensure disruption is kept to a minimum during the project.

Commenting on the improvements, Andy Thompson, BEAR Scotland’s North East Unit Representative, said: "This project will improve safety for the general public, particularly as it is on a route that is widely used by children walking and cycling to and from school.

"The traffic management restrictions are essential to keep everyone safe during this project, particularly as our teams will be working in the centre of the road at some sections.

"We encourage all road users to follow any temporary signs or diversion routes which are in place for their safety as well as for our teams.

"Our teams will do all they can to complete the project as quickly and as safely as possible, however we encourage motorists to plan their journeys in advance and allow some extra time to reach their destination."

The project will take place during the day to avoid noise impact overnight with traffic management removed at weekends where possible.

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

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