Update provided on A96 roadworks near Keith with one lane now open
The resurfacing work that required a road closure on the A96 to the north of Keith, now has one lane open between Mulben Junction and Newton of Forgie over the bank holiday weekend under temporary traffic lights.
Amey confirmed further work will take place from Tuesday, May 7 to Thursday, May 9 under overnight closures between 7.30pm and 6.30am in order to complete the scheme.
All traffic management is scheduled to be removed by 6.30am on Friday, May 10.
The project is addressing defects on more than 650 metres of the A96 to the north of Keith between Mulben Junction and Newton of Forgie.
The original works schedule required extension after a significant problem was identified within the lower layers of the road during construction that caused the new layers above to deteriorate under vehicle loading, resulting in undulating sections that required replacement.
Torrential downpours last week exacerbated these problems and made it extremely difficult to correct the issue as the ground underneath and subsequent replacement road layers have been moving due to heavy saturation.
In addition, it has been discovered that water has also been leaking into the sub-grade and sub-base layers from an uncharted spring adjacent to the carriageway.
As a consequence , additional work is being undertaken to remove the saturated sub-base layer, install a 300mm deep rock capping layer and install additional drainage to prevent further issues and to strengthen the sub-grade.
This rock capping layer will help to protect the sub-grade from further rainfall and weathering as well as providing stiffer resistance to the loads from the surfaces above.
The sub-base layer will then be replaced and overlayed with asphalt layers to return the pavement back to the required road level.
The previous diversion will remain in place during the closures.
Northbound traffic will turn right onto the B9016 north of Keith and travel past the crematorium to turn left onto the A98. Traffic will then continue on the A98 to rejoin the A96 at Fochabers. Southbound traffic will take the route in reverse.
