Road

Transport Scotland is set to begin critical ground investigation works as part of the £3bn A9 dualling programme from 24 August.

Instead of the above, the transport agency has informed motorists about the traffic restrictions on the southern section between Birnam and Glen Garry.

The restrictions will help to carry out critical ground investigations on single-carriageway sections of the existing A9 as the dualling proposals are progressed.

The detailed ground investigation works are expected to be carried out on multiple locations on the southern section between Birnam and Glen Garry for around four months.

"Further work has therefore been undertaken to consider the access strategy."

The traffic management arrangements will comprise short alternate single file traffic sections controlled by temporary traffic signals. These arrangements will be moved along the route as the work progresses.

In order to minimise the delays in the work, the contractor will closely monitor the operation of the traffic management.

A Transport Scotland spokeswoman was quoted by The Courier as saying: "Under the A9 dualling programme, it is proposed to eliminate right-turning movements at junctions. In order to achieve this and to maintain full access to Dalwhinnie, significant junction improvements are required.

"Initial work has identified that a full-grade separated junction is not suitable at the existing T-junction location, due to constraints, including the Highland main line railway, River Truim and other environmental features. Further work has therefore been undertaken to consider the access strategy."

The A9 dualling programme started in December 2012 and is expected to be completed in 2025.

Ground investigation work will be carried out on the A9 between Dalnaspidal and Kincraig and is expected to be completed by the end of October.

Image: The A9 north of Brora, Scotland. Photo: courtesy of Ron Strutt via Wikipedia.