Drivers travelling between Invergarry and Bun Loyne face several weeks of overnight disruption after bad weather forced a delay to major resurfacing works on the A87.
BEAR Scotland has confirmed that the programme will now begin on Thursday 15 October, a day later than planned, with overnight road closures expected to continue until the morning of Tuesday 1 December.
The work is being carried out on behalf of Transport Scotland and will involve repairing defects in the carriageway and renewing road markings along the route.
The A87 is an important connection for communities and businesses travelling between the Great Glen, Glen Shiel and the Isle of Skye, making the arrangements particularly relevant to drivers planning longer journeys.
Work will take place between 8pm and 6am, with the road closed in both directions during those hours.
There will be no works on Saturday or Sunday nights, while Thursday 5 November and Friday 13 November have also been excluded from the programme.
During the closures, motorists will be directed along a signed diversion using the A82 and A887.
Drivers travelling south will follow the A887 eastbound before joining the A82 southbound and returning to the A87 at Invergarry.
Those heading north will follow the A82 northbound, then turn west onto the A887 before rejoining the A87 at Bun Loyne.
The diversion will add approximately 16.7 miles and 29 minutes to journeys, although actual travel times may vary depending on conditions.
Motorists making longer journeys, particularly those travelling to and from Skye, should allow additional time and take the overnight restrictions into account.
Local access to and from the Tomdoun junction will remain available through the Invergarry closure point.
Emergency service vehicles will also be permitted to pass through the work site throughout the overnight operations.
The temporary traffic management arrangements will be removed outside working hours, allowing the A87 to reopen during the day.
However, a reduced speed limit will remain in force because vehicles will be travelling over sections of temporary road surface until the resurfacing is complete.
BEAR Scotland says the programme has been discussed with relevant stakeholders in advance to help minimise disruption to local communities and road users.
Euan Burnett, the company’s North West Planned Maintenance Manager, said:
“These resurfacing improvements on the A87 will address existing defects in the road surface and refresh road markings, greatly improving the quality and safety for road users.
“We understand that roadworks can be inconvenient, and we have planned these works to be carried out as efficiently as possible while maintaining the safety of our workforce and the travelling public.
“We thank local communities and road users for their patience and cooperation while we complete these essential improvements.”
The revised start date follows poor weather affecting the original schedule, and the remaining programme is also dependent on favourable conditions.
Drivers are therefore being encouraged to check for updates before setting out, particularly when travelling overnight or making connections further west.
The resurfacing is scheduled to finish on the morning of Tuesday 1 December, when the final overnight restrictions are expected to be lifted.
