Motorists navigating a crucial stretch of the M90 in Perthshire are being forewarned about an extensive series of roadworks set to commence later this month. This significant infrastructure project will entail several weeks of overnight closures and stringent speed restrictions, impacting journeys for commuters and travellers across the region. The aim is to enhance road safety through vital upgrades to vehicle barrier restraint systems.
The affected section of the M90 spans between the notable Dron bend, located just beyond Glenfarg, and the Bridge of Earn. These essential works are scheduled to begin on Tuesday, September 23, and are projected to continue for a twelve-week period, concluding on Tuesday, December 16. This £1 million investment underscores a commitment to improving safety on one of Perthshire’s most important arterial routes. Understanding the Scope of Works and Necessary Restrictions
To facilitate the complex installation and upgrading of these critical safety barriers, Amey, the managing agent for the trunk road network, will implement a combination of lane restrictions and full overnight closures. These measures are designed to ensure the safety of both road users and the workforce involved in the project.
A consistent 50mph temporary speed limit will be enforced during all lane closures and will remain active at all times when temporary vehicle barrier restraint systems are in use. Drivers should be particularly attentive to these changes, as adherence to the reduced speed limit is crucial for safety.
The lane restrictions and subsequent full closures will be phased as follows, requiring careful planning from anyone regularly using this part of the M90: Phased Lane Restrictions and Overnight Closures
Firstly, from the project’s inception on September 23 until October 26, northbound and southbound traffic will experience Lane 2 restrictions during overnight hours, specifically between 7:30 pm and 6:30 am. This initial phase allows preparatory works to be undertaken with minimal disruption during peak travel times.
Following this, from October 27 through to December 16, a more continuous period of Lane 2 restrictions will be in operation, extending across a 24/7 basis. This longer-term restriction is necessary for the ongoing work that requires a consistent footprint on the carriageway.
In addition to the ongoing lane restrictions, several periods of full overnight closures are planned for specific sections of the motorway:
– *Phase 1 Northbound Closures:* From October 26 to October 29, the M90 northbound carriageway between Junctions 8 and 9 will be fully closed overnight, from 7:30 pm to 6:30 am each night. – *Phase 1 Southbound Closures:* Immediately following this, between October 27 and October 30, the M90 southbound carriageway, also between Junctions 8 and 9, will be subject to identical overnight closures from 7:30 pm to 6:30 am.
As the project progresses into November, further overnight closures will be implemented:
– *Phase 2 Northbound Closures:* From November 9 to November 11, the M90 northbound between Junctions 8 and 9 will once again see full overnight closures, operating from 7:30 pm to 6:30 am. – *Phase 2 Southbound Closures:* Correspondingly, between November 11 and November 14, the southbound M90 between Junctions 8 and 9 will be closed overnight during the same hours.
The final significant period of closures, Phase 3, will take place in December:
– *Phase 3 Both Directions Closures:* From December 1 to December 5, both the northbound and southbound carriageways of the M90 between Junctions 8 and 9 will undergo simultaneous overnight closures, from 7:30 pm to 6:30 am.
Navigating the Diversion Routes
During these crucial overnight closure periods, clear diversion routes will be in place to guide affected traffic. For northbound traffic, motorists will need to exit the M90 at Junction 8. From there, they should follow the A91 and then the A912, rejoining the M90 at Junction 9.
Conversely, for southbound closures, the diversion route will operate in reverse. Drivers will be directed to leave the M90 at Junction 9, take the A912 to the A91, and then rejoin the motorway at Junction 8. These routes will be clearly signposted, but road users are encouraged to allow extra time for their journeys, especially during the darker hours. Broader Impact on Perth and Kinross Commuters
This extensive programme of works on the M90 will undoubtedly affect residents and businesses throughout Perth and Kinross. The M90 serves as a critical link, not only for those travelling north and south through Scotland but also for local commuters in areas like Glenfarg, Bridge of Earn, and those travelling into or out of Perth itself. Businesses relying on timely deliveries or staff travel during the affected hours should take note and plan accordingly.
It’s also important for drivers to be aware that this project will overlap with other ongoing roadworks in the wider Tayside area. While the M90 improvements are scheduled to begin after the completion of the Glenhead Bridge refurbishment project near Glenfarg, they will coincide with ongoing works on the A90 between Dundee and Perth. These A90 works currently involve lane closures and a 30mph speed limit, which are expected to remain in place until the end of October. Therefore, drivers might encounter multiple areas of disruption, necessitating an even greater degree of journey planning and patience during this period.
Local authorities and Amey are urging all road users to check the latest traffic information before setting out on their journeys and to adhere to all temporary signage and speed restrictions for their safety and the safety of the workforce. Advance planning will be key to minimizing inconvenience during these vital upgrades to Perthshire’s road network.
The affected section of the M90 spans between the notable Dron bend, located just beyond Glenfarg, and the Bridge of Earn. These essential works are scheduled to begin on Tuesday, September 23, and are projected to continue for a twelve-week period, concluding on Tuesday, December 16. This £1 million investment underscores a commitment to improving safety on one of Perthshire’s most important arterial routes. Understanding the Scope of Works and Necessary Restrictions
To facilitate the complex installation and upgrading of these critical safety barriers, Amey, the managing agent for the trunk road network, will implement a combination of lane restrictions and full overnight closures. These measures are designed to ensure the safety of both road users and the workforce involved in the project.
A consistent 50mph temporary speed limit will be enforced during all lane closures and will remain active at all times when temporary vehicle barrier restraint systems are in use. Drivers should be particularly attentive to these changes, as adherence to the reduced speed limit is crucial for safety.
The lane restrictions and subsequent full closures will be phased as follows, requiring careful planning from anyone regularly using this part of the M90: Phased Lane Restrictions and Overnight Closures
Firstly, from the project’s inception on September 23 until October 26, northbound and southbound traffic will experience Lane 2 restrictions during overnight hours, specifically between 7:30 pm and 6:30 am. This initial phase allows preparatory works to be undertaken with minimal disruption during peak travel times.
Following this, from October 27 through to December 16, a more continuous period of Lane 2 restrictions will be in operation, extending across a 24/7 basis. This longer-term restriction is necessary for the ongoing work that requires a consistent footprint on the carriageway.
In addition to the ongoing lane restrictions, several periods of full overnight closures are planned for specific sections of the motorway:
– *Phase 1 Northbound Closures:* From October 26 to October 29, the M90 northbound carriageway between Junctions 8 and 9 will be fully closed overnight, from 7:30 pm to 6:30 am each night. – *Phase 1 Southbound Closures:* Immediately following this, between October 27 and October 30, the M90 southbound carriageway, also between Junctions 8 and 9, will be subject to identical overnight closures from 7:30 pm to 6:30 am.
As the project progresses into November, further overnight closures will be implemented:
– *Phase 2 Northbound Closures:* From November 9 to November 11, the M90 northbound between Junctions 8 and 9 will once again see full overnight closures, operating from 7:30 pm to 6:30 am. – *Phase 2 Southbound Closures:* Correspondingly, between November 11 and November 14, the southbound M90 between Junctions 8 and 9 will be closed overnight during the same hours.
The final significant period of closures, Phase 3, will take place in December:
– *Phase 3 Both Directions Closures:* From December 1 to December 5, both the northbound and southbound carriageways of the M90 between Junctions 8 and 9 will undergo simultaneous overnight closures, from 7:30 pm to 6:30 am.
Navigating the Diversion Routes
During these crucial overnight closure periods, clear diversion routes will be in place to guide affected traffic. For northbound traffic, motorists will need to exit the M90 at Junction 8. From there, they should follow the A91 and then the A912, rejoining the M90 at Junction 9.
Conversely, for southbound closures, the diversion route will operate in reverse. Drivers will be directed to leave the M90 at Junction 9, take the A912 to the A91, and then rejoin the motorway at Junction 8. These routes will be clearly signposted, but road users are encouraged to allow extra time for their journeys, especially during the darker hours. Broader Impact on Perth and Kinross Commuters
This extensive programme of works on the M90 will undoubtedly affect residents and businesses throughout Perth and Kinross. The M90 serves as a critical link, not only for those travelling north and south through Scotland but also for local commuters in areas like Glenfarg, Bridge of Earn, and those travelling into or out of Perth itself. Businesses relying on timely deliveries or staff travel during the affected hours should take note and plan accordingly.
It’s also important for drivers to be aware that this project will overlap with other ongoing roadworks in the wider Tayside area. While the M90 improvements are scheduled to begin after the completion of the Glenhead Bridge refurbishment project near Glenfarg, they will coincide with ongoing works on the A90 between Dundee and Perth. These A90 works currently involve lane closures and a 30mph speed limit, which are expected to remain in place until the end of October. Therefore, drivers might encounter multiple areas of disruption, necessitating an even greater degree of journey planning and patience during this period.
Local authorities and Amey are urging all road users to check the latest traffic information before setting out on their journeys and to adhere to all temporary signage and speed restrictions for their safety and the safety of the workforce. Advance planning will be key to minimizing inconvenience during these vital upgrades to Perthshire’s road network.