BEAR Scotland have announced a £1.23 million investment in road surface improvement works on the A96 westbound and eastbound carriageway near Inverurie, with works set to get underway from Friday 21 January at 7.30pm.

The improvements will address defects in the road surface on the westbound and eastbound sections of the A96 between Thainstone Roundabout and Port Elphinstone Roundabout, creating a safer and smoother road surface for motorists. The project follows on from works completed in December on the westbound carriageway between Kintore and Thainstone Roundabout.

The project is programmed to take place as follows:

• Phase one – A96 westbound between Thainstone Roundabout and Port Elphinstone Roundabout – Friday 21 January to Monday 24 January

The first phase of the project is scheduled to begin on Friday 21 January at 7.30pm and is planned to take place over three days with operations programmed consecutively where possible to minimise the duration, with all works expected to be completed by 6.30am Monday 24 January, subject to weather conditions. To ensure the safety of roadworkers and motorists, a road closure will be in place on the westbound carriageway between Tavelty and Thainstone Roundabout. Motorists will be diverted from the A96 at Broomhill Roundabout along the B987 towards Kintore, before travelling along the B994 towards Kemnay, then onto the B993 to Port Elphinstone Roundabout. Local access will be maintained as far as Thainstone Roundabout.

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• Phase two – A96 eastbound between Port Elphinstone Roundabout and Thainstone Roundabout – Friday 4 February to Monday 7 February

The second phase of the project is scheduled to begin on Friday 4 February at 7.30pm and is planned to take place over three days with operations programmed consecutively where possible to minimise the duration, with all works expected to be completed by 6.30am Monday 7 February, subject to weather conditions. To ensure the safety of roadworkers and motorists, a road closure will be in place on the eastbound carriageway between Port Elphinstone and Thainstone Roundabout. Motorists will be diverted from the A96 at Port Elphinstone Roundabout onto the B993 towards Kenmay, then onto the B994 towards Kintore, then onto the B987 towards A96 Broomhill Roundabout, then onto the A96. Local access will be maintained at all times.

Consultation has taken place with all relevant stakeholders in advance of the surfacing improvements to make them aware of the traffic management arrangements.

Commenting on the improvements, Ian Stewart, BEAR Scotland's North East Unit Representative, said: "This £1.23M investment from Transport Scotland will greatly improve and strengthen these sections of the A96 between Thainstone Roundabout and Port Elphinstone Roundabout, as well as create a smoother and safer journey for motorists.

"The road closure on both the westbound and eastbound carriageways are essential for ensuring the safety of road workers and motorists however we've taken steps to limit the overall impact of the project by carrying out the work over two weekends and programming operations to take place consecutively where possible.

"We thank motorists for their patience in advance while our teams carry out these essential improvements on the A96. We encourage road users to plan their journeys in advance by checking the Traffic Scotland website for up to date traffic information and allow some extra time to reach their destination."

All waste materials and spoil resulting from these road works will be re-cycled in accordance with Scottish Environment Project Agency (SEPA) policies and procedures.