£980,000 upgrade for Badenoch stretch of A86
BEAR Scotland will be carrying out £980,000 worth of surfacing improvements on the A86 at Creag Dubh, with works set to get underway on Friday 14 October.
The resurfacing improvements will involve resurfacing over a kilometre of the road, creating a smoother and safer road for motorists.
The project will see the use of in-situ recycling which involves pulverising the existing road. Materials are then graded and compacted before traditional surfacing takes place. In-situ recycling means the entire existing road is kept in place and re-used. That saves over 7,000 tonnes of material from being disposed and replaced, as well as 103,500 fewer miles to transport materials.
The works are programmed for up to 10 days, with works scheduled to take place consecutively where possible. All works are expected to be completed by 7am on Monday, October 24 subject to weather conditions.
"Unfortunately, due to restricted road widths through this section of the A86, the carriageway will be under 24 hour road closure in both directions to ensure the safety of our roadworkers and motorists," a spokesperson explained.
Eastbound traffic will be diverted along the A889 to Dalwhinnie and then up the A9 northbound to Kingussie.
The A86 eastbound will be accessible up to Balgown Road (1.5 miles north of Laggan). Westbound traffic will be diverted down the A9 southbound to Dalwhinnie and then up the A889 to Laggan. The A86 westbound will be accessible up to Biallid House (1.2 miles south of Newtonmore).
Emergency services will be able to pass through the works at all times.
Eddie Ross, BEAR Scotland’s north west representative, said: “This investment from Transport Scotland will greatly improve the quality and safety of this section on the A86.
“The traffic management is essential in ensuring the safety of our roadworkers as well as motorists. Our teams will do all they can to complete the works as quickly and safely as possible.
“The use of an innovative recycling technique allows the job to be undertaken considerably quicker than using traditional methods and saves quarrying and using 7,000 tonnes of virgin aggregate. The reduction of mileage to transport materials alone will reduce carbon emissions by almost 98,000 tonnes.
“We thank the local community and road users for their patience in advance while we complete this project. We encourage motorists to plan ahead before setting out by checking the Traffic Scotland website for up-to-date travel information.”
Real-time journey planning information can be obtained by visiting www.traffic.gov.scot or twitter @trafficscotland
