Perthshire road to undergo £637,000 improvement works with drivers facing 46-mile diversion route
A major road in Perthshire is scheduled for improvement works costing £637,000, leading to overnight closures and a lengthy diversion for drivers. The A85 section between Glen Turret and Quoigs, situated to the west of Crieff, will be renovated by BEAR Scotland on behalf of Transport Scotland.
The resurfacing project is set to commence on Sunday, February 16, with works taking place between 7pm and 5am each night, excluding Fridays and Saturdays. Weather permitting, the repairs are expected to conclude by 5am on Friday, February 28. During the construction period, the A85 will be shut in both directions at the site from 7pm to 5am, necessitating a diversion along the A822, A823, A9, A820, and A84, resulting in an additional 46.1-mile journey for travellers between Crieff and Lochearnhead, adding about 38 minutes to the travel time.
To accommodate the closures, controlled access times will be in place at regular intervals throughout the night to facilitate the safe passage of vehicles through the site in a 10mph convoy. The road will be open as usual from 5am daily, with a speed limit of 30mph enforced due to the temporary road surface.
Emergency service access through the work site will be maintained at all times. BEAR Scotland’s North West Representative, Ian Stewart, emphasized the importance of the road repairs in enhancing driving conditions. He expressed gratitude to the local community and road users for their cooperation during the construction period and advised checking the Traffic Scotland website for real-time travel updates before commencing journeys.
In conclusion, the roadworks on the A85 in Perthshire highlight the ongoing efforts to maintain and improve infrastructure for safer and more efficient travel. The inconvenience caused by the closure and diversion is a temporary sacrifice for the long-term benefits of a smoother and enhanced driving experience for all road users in the region. It is essential for drivers to plan their journeys accordingly and stay informed about any updates or changes to the roadworks schedule.