Moray MP Douglas Ross has welcomed reassurances given to him by Transport Scotland that work taking place on the A96 at North Bogbain will be completed by 2nd September.
Douglas wrote to Transport Scotland following numerous complaints from local residents that traffic lights had been in place for several weeks at the location of a previous landslip, causing delays to road users, but that no actual roadworks were taking place.
The Scottish Road Works Online (roadworksscotland.org) site indicated that work would take 86 days from 5th April 2021 while The Traffic Scotland website Info Map indicated a completion date of 2nd August 2021 but by the middle of July works hadn’t even started.
Commenting Douglas said: “To have traffic lights placed on a busy stretch of the A96 for weeks causes frustration amongst motorists, and for local people who use it regularly for going to work or about their daily business, it is even worse, especially when there is nothing happening and the lights seem to be there for no reason at all.
“I’m pleased that after writing to them seeking a response as to what was happening there, Transport Scotland have clarified their position and indicated that the work will be finished by 2nd September.
“I note that the traffic lights are for safety reasons and mainly due to the possibility of a further land slip at this location.
“I appreciate that although it would seem this traffic barrier has been in place a long time from start to finish, at least now people can see an end date is in sight.
Local Conservative Councillor Donald Gatt who also raised concerns about the two-way traffic system and lack of any progress at the site said: “At least the reply gives a proposed completion date which is something that local constituents have been asking about.
“I’m grateful to Douglas for highlighting this and hope that Transport Scotland stick to the plan they have now outlined. The sooner this is completed the better.”
