BEAR Scotland, on behalf of Transport Scotland, will be carrying out essential maintenance works on the A82 960 Kiachnish Bridge, located on Achintore road just south of Fort William.
The works involve replacing the bridge expansion joints, and follow resurfacing works carried out on the bridge.
Completion of the works ensures the long-term durability of the structure, with the previous surfacing works already having brought benefits to road users, including smoother journeys and increased safety.
The works will begin on Wednesday 1 February and will continue for three nights, between 9pm and 5am.
Due to the narrow road widths at this location, and to protect roadworkers and road users, a convoy system will be in place overnight on Wednesday 1 February, with a convoy system and road closure for part of the nights of 2 and 3 February.
The A82 will be open after working hours to keep disruption to a minimum, with a speed restriction of 30mph in place as traffic will be running over a temporary surface.
Traffic management arrangements will be as follows:
- Wednesday 1 February: traffic will operate under a convoy system between 9pm and 5am.
- Thursday 2 February: traffic will operate under a convoy system between 9pm and 12am. The road will be closed from 12am to 4am, with a diversion in place (see the diversion route map attached for more information). From 4am to 5am traffic will again operate under a convoy system.
- Friday 3 February: traffic will operate under a convoy system between 9pm and 12am. The road will be closed from 12am to 4am, with a diversion in place. From 4am to 5am traffic will again operate under a convoy system.
During the overnight closure periods on 2 and 3 February, a signed diversion via Perth will be in place.
This diversion route adds approximately 200 miles (4.5 hours) to road user journeys travelling between Fort William and Corran.
Local access on all approaches to the site, as well as full access for emergency services, will be maintained during the road closure.
Materials removed from the existing carriageway will be recycled using Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) approved methods.
Eddie Ross, BEAR Scotland’s North West Representative said:
“This project on the Kiachnish Bridge will help address and prevent bridge defects, and complete the upgrade of the road for motorists.
“The partial overnight closures are essential for the safety of road workers and motorists due to the narrow widths of the road at these locations.
“We’ve taken steps to limit the overall impact of the project by carrying out the work overnight and by providing periods of convoy control for traffic to pass.
“Our teams will do all they can to complete the works as quickly and safely as they can, and 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.”
