Major A86 widening project at Laggan
A new project worth over £470,000 has been announced that will involve widening and resurfacing at two sections of the A86 trunk road near Laggan.
The first section of the A86 to be strengthened and improved through resurfacing is in the vicinity of Laggan Wolftrax Mountain Bike Centre for a distance of just over 1km.
"While these essential road maintenance works are being carried out the road will also be widened to improve road safety at this section," said Eddie Ross, BEAR Scotland’s north west representative.
"These works will then be followed by surfacing improvements to almost 500m of the A86 at Tullochroam on the shores of Loch Laggan. The improvements will create a much smoother and safer journey for motorists."
The schemes are scheduled to get underway from Sunday (August 27) until Tuesday, September 12, taking place overnight between 9pm and 5am – no roadworks will take place on Friday or Saturday nights, keeping disruption to a minimum.
Overnight road closures will be needed to keep everyone safe during the surfacing improvements due to the narrow widths of the road, Mr Ross added.
A diversion route will be in place each night via the A9 and A82 during working hours, however to limit the impact arrangements will be made to allow local traffic to pass through the works each night at around 11pm, 1am and 3am when it is safe to do. Emergency Services will be able to pass through the works at all times.
The road closure will be lifted during the daytime outside of working hours, but a temporary speed limit of 30mph will remain in place until the projects are completed as traffic will be travelling over a temporary surface.
Consultation is underway with local residents, businesses, the local authority, and emergency services to make them aware of the project and the traffic management arrangements that will be in place.
Mr Ross explained: "This package of improvements will allow for the road to be strengthened and upgraded at two sections on the A86, enhancing the durability of the road and improving road safety.
"The overnight closures are in place for everyone’s safety during the works although we’ve taken steps to limit the overall impact of the project; such as scheduling the scheme to take place overnight, avoiding working on Friday and Saturday nights and allowing local access through the sites at set times each night.
"Our teams will look to complete the works as quickly and safely as possible, however we would encourage motorists to plan their journeys ahead by checking the Traffic Scotland website for up to date information."
Real-time journey planning info: www.trafficscotland.org or twitter @trafficscotland
