Resurfacing works on A9 moved to the evening as motorists endure hour-long tailbacks

Resurfacing works on the A9 Inverness to Perth road were called off this afternoon due to severe congestion.

Bear Scotland began making improvements to a half-mile stretch of the northbound carriageway, north of the Drumochter dual carriageway.

The five-day project of works near Dalnaspidal began at 7am this morning.

Temporary traffic lights and a 10mph convoy system were put in place as workers arrived onsite.

However, just eight hours into the project, bosses removed all temporary traffic measures due to severe congestion.

Bear Scotland has also announced that the works will now be carried out in the evening, commencing from Tuesday evening.

Gridlock traffic on the A9

Traffic on the busy trunk road was brought to a standstill this afternoon as day one of the resurfacing works got under way.

Drivers were facing tailbacks lasting more than an hour, leading to major congestion along the route.

⌚️14:53#A9 Dalnaspidal

Scheduled roadworks are causing delays in both directions at Dalnaspidal

Current travel time is

Northbound 30 minutes
Southbound 1h 30 minutes#TakeCare on approach

More Information👇https://t.co/v0aph9Eee9@NWTrunkRoads pic.twitter.com/QJdcaDgkaJ

— Traffic Scotland (@trafficscotland) November 28, 2022

Southbound motorists were facing delays of up to 90 minutes, with traffic heading north towards Inverness facing tailbacks lasting up to 30 minutes.

In light of the congestion, Bear Scotland called off the works this afternoon as talks to move the works to the evening commenced. A 30mph speed limit remains in place in the area.

A statement posted on Twitter said: “In response to long queues due to essential roadworks on the A9 at Dalnaspidal, traffic management has been removed.

“A 30mph speed limit remains for safety, but both lanes will be open. The works will now be carried out at night and a full update will follow.”

Works to recommence from Tuesday evening

To minimise further disruption on the A9, the resurfacing works will now be completed overnight between the hours of 7pm and 6am.

Essential improvements will be made to the route over the next four nights, resuming from 7pm on Tuesday.

The project is scheduled to be completed by 6am on Saturday.

To ensure the safety of road workers and motorists, the works will be undertaken under a 10mph convoy with lane closures and temporary traffic lights in place.

The road will be open outside the working hours to keep disruption to a minimum, however, a speed restriction of 30mph will remain in place as traffic will be running over a temporary surface.

Access through the works site for emergency services will be maintained at all times.