Drivers travelling on the A9 between Tomatin and Inverness will see a significant change to their journeys later this month as traffic moves onto a newly constructed section of road between Lynebeg and Daviot.
The change forms part of the A9 Dualling project between Tomatin and Moy, with overnight traffic management scheduled for Wednesday 21 October and Thursday 22 October before vehicles begin using the new northbound carriageway on Friday 23 October.
Although the new road has been built for northbound traffic, it will temporarily carry vehicles travelling in both directions while work continues towards completing the full dual carriageway.
The switch marks a visible step forward for a project aimed at improving one of the Highlands’ most important transport connections.
Before the change takes place, construction teams will need to complete preparation work close to the existing live carriageway.
On Wednesday 21 October, temporary traffic signals and convoy working will operate just north of the Lynebeg junction between 7pm and 6am the following morning.
A second overnight operation will begin at 7pm on Thursday 22 October and continue until 6am on Friday.
During this period, two sets of temporary traffic signals and convoy arrangements will be in place, one immediately north of Lynebeg junction and another approximately three kilometres further north at Daviot.
Motorists will be stopped briefly at the signals before being guided through short sections of lane closure by convoy vehicles.
Once clear of the restrictions, drivers will be able to continue their journeys at the signed speed limit.
From Friday 23 October, both northbound and southbound vehicles will be directed onto the new carriageway immediately north of the existing Lynebeg access junction.
Traffic will remain on the new alignment until reaching the existing dual carriageway at Daviot.
These arrangements will remain in place until the new dual carriageway is fully operational, allowing further work to continue safely alongside the live route.
For regular users of the A9, particularly those commuting between Inverness and communities further south, the change will mean adjusting to a different road layout.
Transport Scotland does not anticipate significant disruption from the overnight preparation work because of the timing of the restrictions.
However, motorists should remain alert to temporary traffic signals, reduced speeds, convoy arrangements and changing road markings around the construction area.
Pedestrian access will be maintained throughout the works, although the crossing point over the live carriageway will be adjusted slightly to reflect the new road alignment.
National Cycle Network Route 7 will not be affected by the changes.
Access for emergency services will also be maintained at all times.
The works remain dependent on suitable weather conditions, meaning the programme could change if circumstances prevent crews from completing the necessary preparations safely.
The Tomatin to Moy project is part of the wider programme to dual the A9 between Perth and Inverness, a route which plays an essential role in connecting Highland communities, businesses and visitors with the rest of Scotland.
While the new section will initially operate with traffic travelling in both directions, its opening represents further progress towards delivering the completed road.
Motorists planning journeys through the area during the overnight works are encouraged to allow for possible delays and follow temporary signage and instructions from traffic management teams.
