Road users travelling on the A99 south of Wick are being warned to expect ongoing delays after additional resurfacing works were added to the programme at Hempriggs.

BEAR Scotland, acting on behalf of Transport Scotland, has confirmed that four extra working days have been scheduled following the discovery of further work requirements at the site.

The resurfacing project began on Monday 29 June and is now expected to continue until the evening of Thursday 16 July.

Work is being carried out between 7am and 7pm each weekday, with no operations taking place on Saturdays or Sundays.

To allow the improvements to be completed safely, a lane closure and convoy system remains in operation throughout the works.

Traffic management will also be in place overnight on Monday 13 and Tuesday 14 July.

Outside working hours, motorists are being asked to observe a temporary 30mph speed limit while traffic travels over sections of temporary road surface.

The project is aimed at repairing defects in the existing carriageway and improving the quality of the route for drivers travelling between Caithness communities.

Euan Burnett, BEAR Scotland’s North West Planned Maintenance Manager, said the additional works would help ensure a longer lasting improvement to the road.

“This surfacing project on the A99 will help address defects and greatly improve the surface for motorists.

“Our teams will do all they can to complete the work as quickly and efficiently as they can.

“We thank the local community and road users for their patience in advance while we complete these works.

“We encourage motorists to plan ahead before setting out by checking the Traffic Scotland website for up-to-date travel information.”

The A99 remains one of the main transport links serving Caithness, and drivers are being encouraged to allow extra time for journeys while the work is completed.

Real-time journey information is available from Traffic Scotland on www.traffic.gov.scot, or X @trafficscotland.

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