Motorists travelling along the A82 beside Loch Ness are being advised to expect delays as a major programme of rock slope stabilisation gets under way near Grotaig later this month.
BEAR Scotland is preparing to begin the latest phase of safety works on the A82 near Grotaig, around four miles south of Drumnadrochit.
The programme, being delivered on behalf of Transport Scotland, is scheduled to start on Monday 28 September and will focus on stabilising the rock slopes alongside the strategically important Highland route.
Traffic management will remain in operation around the clock throughout the project. One lane of the A82 on the western side of Loch Ness will be closed, with temporary traffic signals controlling vehicles through the works area.
Construction activity is planned between 8am and 6pm seven days a week, with no overnight working currently scheduled.
Drivers could experience additional disruption during working hours when particularly complex operations are undertaken. These may require contractors to temporarily hold traffic travelling in both directions while work is completed safely.
However, BEAR Scotland said the current programme does not require any full closures of the A82.
The improvements are expected to continue until Thursday 24 December, although the programme remains dependent upon suitable weather conditions.
BEAR Scotland has consulted relevant stakeholders ahead of the project, with the traffic management arrangements designed to maintain access while providing a safe working environment for construction teams and road users.
The A82 is a crucial north-south route through the Highlands, and maintaining the stability of roadside slopes is important to reducing the risk posed by falling rock and maintaining the long-term resilience of the road.
BEAR Scotland North West Improvements Scheme Manager Michael Baxter said the project was an important part of maintaining the safe operation of the A82.
He said the programme had been designed to keep disruption to motorists as low as reasonably possible, although drivers should allow additional journey time, particularly during busier periods.
Baxter also thanked motorists for their patience while the essential stabilisation work is carried out.
Road users travelling through the area during the programme are advised to plan ahead and take account of the temporary traffic signals and potential short-duration traffic holds when calculating journey times.