Drivers warned to expect tailbacks as M9 work intensifies

MOTORISTS are being warned to expect massive disruption as a key motorway junction on the outskirts of the Capital undergoes a major revamp as part of the Forth Replacement Crossing project.

The £25 million overhaul at junction 1a on the M9 near Kirkliston will take place over six weekends, with airport-bound vehicles and those travelling to major events in the city set to be affected.

Lengthy delays are expected as a traffic management scheme is put into operation from 8pm on Friday evenings to 6am on Monday mornings over the weekends from October 5 to November 12.

There will be lane closures and diversions, and drivers are being urged to avoid the area or allow extra time for flights from Edinburgh Airport.

Thousands of runners will be coming into the city centre

during the first weekend of the works for the Bupa Great Run on Sunday, October 7.

Road chiefs expect average delays of 30 minutes, with motorists being held up by as much as an hour during the busiest periods.

Steven Brown, roads and infrastructure manager for Transport Scotland, said: “We have worked with the contractors delivering the M9 junction 1a contract to bring the number of affected weekends down from ten to six, avoid major events and take advantage of potentially quieter periods of road use during the half-term school holidays.

“Our message is simple – please avoid using this route if at all possible over these weekends in October and November. If this is unavoidable then please leave plenty of additional time to make your journey, particularly if travelling to Edinburgh Airport.”

Over the last few months, work has been under way at the junction on new slip roads and bridges.

A spokeswoman for the Bupa Great Run said: “We will be communicating with our runners via Facebook, e-mail and the Bupa Great Edinburgh Run website and advising them of the roadworks.

“We advise competitors to allow extra time for their journeys and suggest using any alternative routes.”