A96 drivers near Elgin caught in queues due to roadworks

Drivers were stuck in nearly a mile of queuing traffic on the A96 caused by the closure of an access route for manhole repairs.

According to the Traffic Scotland live map, drivers are caught in nearly a mile of “stationary” or “heavy” queuing traffic on Friday, April 18.

The delays were impacting traffic heading west into Elgin, between the Lhanbryde Roundabout and Reiket Lane roundabout.

Moray Council’s website states that a temporary one-way system is in force on Reiket Lane, between the A96 and the roundabout at Barlink Road.

The disruption, which lasted until 6pm on Saturday, April 19, is to allow for the repair of ironworks at the site.

According to the Scottish Road Works Commissioner, the works, being undertaken by Scottish Water, are linked to a manhole which has “sunk in the carriageway, causing damage to the surrounding area”.

The impacted manhole cover “lies directly on wheel line of traffic”, which if left “will have an impact on the longevity of this cover and the reinstatement patch.”

Traffic had been diverted from the A96 onto Maisondieu Road, down New Elgin Road and Linkwood Road before reaching Reiket Lane.

The Traffic Scotland website confirmed that, while the A96 itself is not closed, signs were in place to show westbound traffic the bypass route.