Drivers using the A9 near Tomatin are being warned of temporary traffic signals on Monday 17 August as large bridge beams are moved through the Tomatin to Moy dualling works.

The signals will operate at three locations for one day while construction vehicles transport the beams from a holding area at Tomatin to the new Dalmagarry side road bridge.

Traffic may be stopped for up to ten minutes at a time while the large vehicles travel through the site and manoeuvre into position.

A maximum of three activations are planned between 8am and 8pm, with staff on site to keep disruption to a minimum.

At Tomatin North junction, both northbound and southbound traffic on the A9 will be stopped to allow the construction vehicles carrying the beams to pass safely through.

Southbound A9 traffic will also be stopped at Ruthven Road junction while the vehicles turn into the junction.

Traffic travelling from Ruthven Road towards the A9 will be held separately while the construction vehicles carrying the beams move onto the trunk road.

The temporary signals will operate on an all red phase during each movement, meaning traffic will be stopped in every affected direction while the beams are transported.

The operation forms part of construction of the new Dalmagarry side road bridge within the wider A9 Dualling Tomatin to Moy project.

The size of the beams means controlled stoppages are required to allow the loads to travel safely between the holding area and the new structure.

Although individual stoppages could last for up to ten minutes, significant disruption is not expected because the signals will only be activated when the beam movements take place.

Drivers travelling through the area during the day should nevertheless be prepared to encounter queues and allow a little additional time for their journey.

Staff will be present throughout the operation to manage traffic and help keep vehicles moving between the planned stoppages.

Pedestrian access will remain available throughout the work, while access for emergency services will also be maintained at all times.

The beam movements provide another visible stage in construction of the Tomatin to Moy section as work continues on the long awaited dualling of the A9.

For motorists, Monday’s disruption should be relatively brief, but anyone travelling through Tomatin between 8am and 8pm should be prepared for the possibility of being held at the temporary lights.

As with other construction work on the project, the planned operation remains dependent on weather conditions and the timetable could change at short notice.