Transport bosses have announced £345,000 plans to improve a stretch of Moray’s busiest trunk route.
Engineers will begin work tonight on resurfacing both lanes on a stretch of the A96 Inverness to Aberdeen road at Forres.
The scheme will stretch along the eastern section of the town’s bypass, from the sewage plant to the 40mph signs near Mosset Park.
The area in question is used by around 11,650 vehicles every day and the project is aimed at repairing the cracks and potholes caused by the heavy traffic.
In announcing the programme, Bear Scotland claimed it would ensure that the A96 “continues to operate safely for years to come”.
Forres councillor, George Alexander, last night welcomed the moves to improve what has become a troublesome spot for motorists.
Mr Alexander said: “It’s quite rough, a lot of the surface has obviously broken up.
“I understand that the engineers will be taking the surface of the road right down, so it will be a comprehensive effort.”
The programme, which is slated to begin at 7.30pm this evening, will involve work during the day and overnight.
Engineers will work continuously until 6.30am on Monday morning.
Further operations will be carried out on Monday and Tuesday, beginning at 7.30pm and finishing by 6.30am to avoid daytime working during weekdays.
Temporary traffic lights will be in place while the work is being performed, but they will be lifted on Monday and Tuesday to minimise any impact to traffic.
Bear Scotland’s North East Representative, Andy Thomson, said the project was being funded by Transport Scotland.
Mr Thomson added: “This will allow us to address the defects in this section of the A96 to create a smooth, improved surface for road users.
“We’ve taken steps to reduce the overall impact of this scheme.
“Our teams will look to do all they can to complete the works as quickly and safely as possible.
“We encourage road users to plan their journeys in advance by checking the Traffic Scotland website for up-to-date journey information and leaving extra time to complete their trip.”
Real-time journey planning information can be obtained by visiting www.trafficscotland.org or twitter @trafficscotland.