Keith Union Bridge repair work finally set to begin after months of roads hell for motorists
Work to end months of misery in a Moray community is set to get under way this weekend.
Roads agency Amey has confirmed it will begin work to repair the embankment failure at Union Bridge on Sunday, March 2.
Temporary traffic lights have been in place at the Union Bridge in Keith on the A96 since a river bank and retaining wall fell into the River Isla in July, meaning months of hell for motorists and local businesses alike
The news has been welcomed Highlands and Islands Conservative MSP Douglas Ross after he attended an update meeting between Amey and local elected members, groups and businesses.
Mr Ross highlighted during the meeting that all concerned welcomed the start date at last, but he warned that the notice of a road closure of the A96 through Keith, between 8am and 6pm on Sunday, was short notice. Representatives from Amey accepted this point and intimated that they were prepared to defer the starting date for a week, but those present agreed that the works should start as soon as possible.
The MSP went on to ask a number of questions about the diversions and the wait times at the temporary traffic lights when the works were under way and he was advised that all the diversions had been agreed with Moray Council and the wait time would remain the same at the temporary traffic lights.
Amey also advised that there would be two full road closures as part of the works - one at the start and one at the end, which is projected to be in mid-May.
Speaking after the meeting, Mr Ross said: “I welcome the update from Amey today about the start date for the works to repair the embankment of the Union Bridge, Keith.
“It has been long a time coming.
"I am, however, concerned that intimation of this start date and a primary road closure of the A96 at this location this coming Sunday, is very short notice for the public travelling along the A96 through Keith.
“However, I accept that Amey were prepared to defer the start date for another week if those present at today’s meeting thought it best, but all agreed that the works should start as soon as possible.
“I made the point to Amey that the impact of the traffic lights at the site taking the A96 down to one lane since last summer has had an extremely adverse impact on the local businesses and traders, many of whom have lost a lot of business and in this respect, it was also disappointing that the road agency, Transport Scotland, and the Scottish Government have repeatedly rejected calls for compensation.
"It's now incumbent on Amey and their contractor to complete these works are quickly as possible to finally see the removal of traffic lights at Union Bridge that have caused so much concern and disruption."
Sunday, March 2 will see a full road closure of the A96 between Station Road and Banff Road. Northbound traffic on the A96 can turn right at the road closure onto the A95/Banff Road. A signed diversion route to rejoin the A96 will be in place via the A95 to Portsoy and the A98 to Fochabers. Southbound traffic will be able to follow this route in reverse.
Escorts will be provided for residents who live within the closure while foot traffic will be able to use the Auld Bridge as a diversion route.
From Monday, March 3 to Sunday, May 18 temporary traffic lights will be in place on Union Bridge to allow repair work to be safely carried out. There may be occasions where further short-duration closures of the road are required and further information will be issued should this occur.
The works are weather dependent and may be cancelled or rescheduled if conditions are not favourable.
A free Road Work Alerts service is available from the Amey website at https://netrunkroads.scot/roadwork-alerts/
The work comes with a price tag of around £500,000.
