BEAR Scotland has announced two major roadwork schemes worth almost £700,000 for the A96 and A95, and both due to get underway from Monday 16 May.

A section of the A96 north of Huntly is set to benefit from surfacing improvements worth £345,000 addressing defects in the road surface on the Bin Hill Crawler Lane.

The project is expected to get underway on Monday 16 May and is programmed to take place over six nights. The improvements will be carried out between 7.30pm and 6am each night, with surfacing due to be completed by 6am on Sunday 22 May.

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 surfacing project near Huntly has been designed to improve the general condition and safety of this section of the A96 for motorists.

"The traffic management is essential to ensure the safety of both roadworkers and motorists. There may be some delays, but our teams will do all they can to complete the scheme as safely and quickly as possible.

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

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Separately, a section of the A95 at Craigellachie will also benefit from surfacing improvements worth £340,000.

The improvements will address defects in the road surface on the A95 at Craigellachie.

The project is expected to get underway on Monday 16 May and is programmed to take place in two phases as follows:

• Phase One – A95 Craigellachie Village

The first phase of works will begin on Monday 16 May for five days. Works will be carried out between 8am and 5.30pm each day, with surfacing due to be completed by 5.30pm on Friday 20 May. To ensure the safety of roadworkers as well as motorists, a road closure will be in place during working hours. The A95 will be closed between the A95/A941 junction and Mulben. Northbound traffic will be diverted from the A95/A941 junction to Rothes, Kirkhill, Boat O Brig and finally to Mulben. Southbound traffic will be diverted from Mulben to Boat O Brig, Kirkhill, Rothes and finally the A95/A941 junction. The road closure will be removed outwith working hours.

• Phase 2 – A95 Craigellachie to Wester Galdwell

The second phase of works get underway on Monday 23 May for five nights. Works will be carried out between 7.30pm and 6am each night, with surfacing due to be completed by 6am on Saturday 28 May. To ensure the safety of roadworkers as well as motorists, a road closure will be in place during working hours. The A95 will be closed between the A95/A941 junction and Mulben. Northbound traffic will be diverted from the A95/A941 junction to Rothes, Kirkhill, Boat O Brig and finally to Mulben. Southbound traffic will be diverted from Mulben to Boat O Brig, Kirkhill, Rothes and finally the A95/A941 junction. The road closure will be removed outwith working hours.

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 surfacing project near Craigellachie has been designed to improve the general condition and safety of this section of the A95 for motorists.

"The traffic management is essential to ensure the safety of both roadworkers and motorists. We have taken steps to minimise disruption by removing the road closures outwith working hours and our teams will do all they can to complete the scheme as safely and quickly as possible."

Materials removed from the existing carriageways will be recycled using SEPA approved methods.