Project Details

Description

The works will comprise of embankment stabilisation and drainage improvements along a stretch of the A95 carriageway. This section of the carriageway has a history of landslips associated with poor drainage; therefore, verge widening, drainage installation and embankment stabilisation are required to improve slope stability and site drainage.

The proposed activities are as follows:

  • Installation of Traffic Management (TM);
  • Removal of eight trees within the embankment, comprising of mixed woodland including silver birch (Betula pendula), Douglas fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii), and willow sp. (Salix sp.) (to be undertaken as preparatory works, prior to the main works beginning);
  • Topsoil stripping of the embankment, extending to 2m back from the ditch network;
  • Infilling of embankment to achieve a 1:3 slope (approx. 850m3 of material), comprising of 6F5 granular fill and topsoil;
  • Installation of headwall at the base of embankment, including swale connection to the existing ditch;
  • Installation of pipework from top of the embankment to headwall;
  • Installation of filter drain and three manholes in the northbound (NB) verge adjacent to carriageway;
  • Excavation of the carriageway (one lane at a time), to a width of approx. 5m, to facilitate replacement of culvert, with all works limited to the carriageway boundary and the banks of the field drain, and no works taking place within the field drain extents;
  • Backfilling and reinstatement of carriageway following culvert replacement, with reinstatement works limited to the carriageway and adjacent field drain banks;
  • Reinstatement and revegetation of the embankment base and face; and
  • Removal of TM.

The following plant/machinery/vehicles may be used throughout the scheme:

  • Excavator;
  • Dump truck;
  • Chainsaw;
  • Grab;
  • Stihl saw; and
  • Cement mixer.

The works are scheduled to be completed within the 2026/2027 financial year (ending on 1st April 2027) for a duration of three weeks, with works being undertaken during day-time hours.

Traffic management for the scheme is likely to entail a two-way temporary traffic light system for the majority of the three weeks, with an expected road closure lasting five days. A temporary diversion route will be implemented through Tomintoul via the A939 and B9008 carriageways to maintain traffic flow during the works.

Location

The scheme is approximately 3,900m2 in size, located along the A95 carriageway, approximately 1.1km northeast of the village of Cromdale, Highland. The approximate National Grid References (NGRs) are detailed below:

  • Scheme start: NJ 08402 30006
  • Scheme end: NJ 08349 29846