Crossing work due

Work to install two new puffin crossings in Crieff is to get under way later this month.

BEAR Scotland, which manages and maintains the trunk roads in the north-east and north-west of Scotland on behalf of Scottish Government agency Transport Scotland, has said the existing crossings on the A85 near Crieff’s Royal Mail delivery office and adjacent to James Square – both on the High Street – will be upgraded over a five-week period from Monday, February 28.

In addition to the installation of the signalised crossings, a spokesperson for the project said road surfacing and footway improvements will be carried out, as well as new road markings painted.

The majority of the work will take place between 9.30am and 4pm each day, with none due to take place over the weekends.

Temporary traffic lights will be in place throughout the project.

Some sections of the pavements will be closed at certain times, with signed diversion routes in place.

There will also be two temporary pedestrian crossing points in operation during the project.

Work on the road surface itself is then scheduled to begin on Sunday, March 27, over seven nights between 7pm and 3am each night.

A 10mph convoy traffic management system will be in place on the A85 while the resurfacing operation is being undertaken.

Traffic management measures will be removed during daytime periods when work is not taking place.

No surfacing work is due to take place on Friday and Saturday nights.

BEAR Scotland has said consultation is underway with local residents, businesses, the local authority and emergency services to make them aware of the work and the traffic management arrangements that will be in place.

Eddie Ross, BEAR Scotland’s north-west representative, said: “The new controlled crossing facilities in Crieff will allow users to safely cross this section of the A85, helping to improve road safety for the community and encourage more active travel journeys.”