Drivers using one of the Highlands’ most important east to west routes are being warned to expect delays this summer as a major programme of resurfacing works gets underway at Loch Laggan.

BEAR Scotland, acting on behalf of Transport Scotland, is set to begin seven weeks of improvements on the A86 from Monday 6 July, with work taking place at three separate locations between Luiblea, Moy Lodge and Rubha Na Magach.

The project is designed to address defects in the road surface and improve safety for motorists using the route, which is a key link between Speyside, Badenoch and Lochaber.

The first phase of work will take place between Moy Lodge and Luiblea from Monday 6 July until Friday 10 July, with a second phase at Rubha Na Magach running from Monday 13 July until Friday 24 July.

During both of these phases, work will take place between 7am and 7pm with a lane closure and convoy system operating to allow traffic to pass safely through the works.

The most significant disruption will come during the final phase between Rubha Na Magach and Moy Lodge, which is scheduled to run from Sunday 26 July until Friday 21 August.

Because of the narrow width of the carriageway at this location, a full overnight road closure will be required between 7pm and 6am while resurfacing is carried out.

There is no suitable diversion route available for this section of the A86, meaning vehicles will be held on either side of the works area and escorted through during scheduled amnesty periods when work is temporarily paused.

These hourly amnesties will take place at 8pm, 9pm, 10pm, 11pm, midnight, 2am and 4am.

Outside working hours the traffic management will be removed, although a temporary 30mph speed limit and warning signs will remain in place while traffic travels over unfinished road surfaces.

Access for emergency services and scheduled bus services will continue throughout the programme.

BEAR Scotland says discussions have already taken place with stakeholders and local organisations to make them aware of the arrangements ahead of the works starting.

Euan Burnett, BEAR Scotland’s Planned Maintenance Manager, said:

“These resurfacing works on the A86 between Rubha Na Magach and Luiblea will address existing defects in the road surface and improve safety for road users.

“Due to the nature of the works and the narrow carriageway width at one of the locations, traffic management is required to keep both road users and our teams safe.

“Our teams will do all they can to complete the works as quickly and safely as possible, and we thank the local community and road users for their patience.”

The programme is weather dependent and motorists are being advised to allow extra time for journeys through the area during the seven week period.

For many Highland communities and businesses that rely on the A86, the improvements should deliver a smoother and safer route once the works are complete, although patience may be required over the weeks ahead.