BEAR Scotland has announced a £300,000 road surface improvement scheme for two sections of the A85, funded by Transport Scotland.

The scheme will see approximately one kilometre of the A85 resurfaced near Lix Toll Garage and Ardchyle, creating a safer and smoother journey for road users.

The overnight project is programmed to begin on Sunday 19 June and is expected to take 12 nights to complete, with the works anticipated to be completed by 5am on Tuesday 5 July. No works are programmed to take place on Friday or Saturday nights.

To ensure the safety of roadworkers and road users, a series of restrictions will be in place as follows:

• A85 Ardchyle – Sunday 19 June to Monday 20 June (two nights, 7pm and 7am)

To protect roadworkers and road users, a 10mph convoy system will be in place during working hours.

• A85 Lix Toll – Tuesday 21 June to Monday 4 July (ten nights, 8pm and 5am, excluding Friday and Saturday)

Due to the narrow road widths at the A85 Lix Toll, the A85 requires to be closed in both directions during working hours to ensure the safety of both the workforce and road users. The improvements will take place between 8pm and 5am each night. As there is no suitable diversion route for this section of the A85, vehicles will be held at either side of the work site until they are able to be escorted safely through the roadworks during the set amnesty periods at, 9pm, 10pm, 12am, 2am and 4am. Motorists are encouraged to arrive prior to these times to ensure they can be accommodated within the amnesty period. The A85 will remain open during the daytime to minimise disruption, however, to ensure the safety of motorists a speed restriction of 30mph will remain in place as traffic will be running on a temporary surface.

-- Advertisement --

Emergency services will be able to pass through the works at all times. Local access for residents, businesses and scheduled bus services will be maintained when it is safe to pass through the work area.

Consultation has been carried out with emergency services and relevant stakeholders to inform  of the plans and share information about the project in advance.

Commenting on the improvements, Eddie Ross, BEAR Scotland's North West Representative said: "This surfacing project will improve the quality and safety of this section of the A85 for road users.

"The traffic management proposed, involving convoy working and road closures, is essential for the safety of roadworkers and road users given the narrow road widths at these locations. We've taken steps to limit the overall impact of the project by programming the road closures to be in operation overnight.

"We thank motorists for their patience in advance and would also encourage them to plan ahead before setting out by checking the Traffic Scotland website for up to date travel information."