Text in Italics are NRCC added comments
Amey, on behalf of Transport Scotland (TS) as part of the North East Network Management Contract, is proposing essential traffic signal upgrades on the A96 at two locations within Nairn. The existing traffic lights are approaching the end of their working life and the new system will help maintain road safety while providing improved reliability and reducing future maintenance requirements. – If these are essential why has Amey or TS not been discussing this requirement with the Community before now?
Work is currently provisionally programmed as follows:
• Lochloy Road, Nairn: Monday 19th October – Friday 13th November.
• Library Junction, Nairn: Monday 16th November – Friday 11th December.
This bit is interesting – The work being undertaken at Lochloy Road will be done in collaboration with Scottish Water while they undertake their planned works in the area. This will reduce the overall disruption for motorists by implementing both sets of work under one traffic management arrangement rather than requiring separate visits by each organisation. Despite requesting the “traffic management arrangements” from SW neither NRCC nor NICE have been able to obtain a copy. This suggests that not only do they not have an “arrangement” they are going to rely on two individuals to recognise traffic issues and direct the traffic as necessary. 12 hours per day for the length of the contract now icluding a potential A96 lane closure- pass the popcorn…
To ensure the safety of roadworkers and motorists, temporary traffic lights will be in operation 24/7 at each location throughout the duration of the works. The temporary traffic lights will operate in the same manner as the existing junction signals and will be manned between 7am and 7pm each day to help minimise delays and maintain traffic flow.
In addition, lane restrictions will also be required 24/7 to provide a safe working area for roadworkers and allow the installation of the new signal equipment. SW have previously advised that their work will not affect the A96, only Lochloy Road and that their traffic management scheme would keep traffic flowing (Aye Right), now Amey are suggesting that one lane on the A96 will close. This will not be a simple disruption this will be catastrophic.
While every effort will be made to minimise disruption, road users may experience some delays while traffic management is in place. We would greatly appreciate your feedback at this stage to help inform the arrangements and ensure we address any specific local needs. Responses should be received by Friday 2nd October by replying to this email. If we do not hear from you by Friday 2nd October, we will assume you have no comments on the current proposals. Write to Graham.Gibson1@amey.co.uk with your concerns – the more the merrier.
Please note, all schemes are weather dependent and may be cancelled or rescheduled if weather conditions are not favourable.
- A free Road Work Alerts service is available from our website. An email address is all that is required to sign up for the service.
- To report a problem on the network please visit: https://netrunkroads.scot/report-a-problem/.
Real-time journey information can be obtained by visiting http://www.trafficscotland.org or via X: @TrafficScotland. – Real time Journey through Nairn is already ridiculous – will it get worse?
Nairn River Community Council 