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Roadworks get under way on A9 bridge by Tomatin


By Gavin Musgrove

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A major project for the Findhorn Bridge which carries the A9 dual carriageway is under way and will ensure the crossing continues to operate safely for years to come.

The first phase of the project, which began last month, involves teams carrying out inspections beneath the bridge deck.

The second phase will begin on Sunday and will involve work to replace expansion joints on the structure.

The third phase taking place in the new year will see some sections of the steel girders repainted to improve the longevity of the structure.

Roadworks will be taking place on A9 near Pitlochry from Sunday evening.
Roadworks will be taking place on A9 near Pitlochry from Sunday evening.

A BEAR Scotland spokesperson said: "While the first phase has no impact on road users as the work takes place under the bridge deck, the second phase of the project will involve teams replacing the expansion joints across the full width of the bridge starting on Sunday (November 17) for three weeks.

"The A9 will remain open during the second phase, however a contraflow system will be in place for safety during the project.

"Motorists using the route should be aware that there will be a change over for traffic from one side of the bridge to the other in the second week of the joint replacement works.

"Once the joint replacements are completed, the contraflow will be removed with single lane closures in place for safety for one week to allow teams to replace the manholes in the central reserve on the bridge deck.

"In the new year, teams will begin work on the third phase which involves painting some of the steel girders with a new system which will ensure the steel is protected for years to come.

"The beams will be prepared using a grit-blasting process before the new system is applied with teams ensuring that all noisy operations will be completed before 7pm each day to ensure any disruption is kept to a minimum.

"There will be no impact to road users during the third phase of the project which is expected to be completed by the end of March."

Eddie Ross, BEAR Scotland’s North West Representative, said: “This bridge improvement project will allow our teams to carry out essential painting and inspections beneath the bridge deck, as well as carrying out maintenance work to the expansion joints across both sides of the A9 Findhorn bridge, ensuring the bridge continues to operate safely.

“We’ve planned the inspections and the girder painting so that there is no impact to road users as our teams will be working from scaffolding beneath the structure.

"There needs to be a contraflow system in place for safety when carrying out the expansion joint replacements as our teams will be working over the full width of the carriageway, however we’ll do all we can to complete the project as quickly and safely as possible.

“We would request that road users abide by all traffic or speed restrictions put in place during the work for their safety, and to use both lanes when queuing to help reduce any congestion.

“We thank road users for their patience in advance while we carry out these improvements on the A9 Findhorn Bridge."

Real-time journey information is available from Traffic Scotland on www.trafficscotland.org, twitter at @trafficscotland or the new mobile site my.trafficscotland.org.


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