WORKS to upgrade the central reservation safety barrier on the M90 between Kelty and Kingseat are set to get underway later this month.

Expected to last five weeks, the work will see the replacement of approximately 3km of central reservation wire rope safety fencing with a new steel barrier.

Three over bridges – Cocklaw, Lassodie, and Cuddiehouse – will also have the central reservation bridge piers maintained.

Lane closures will be in effect on both northbound and southbound carriageways throughout the construction period and a reduced speed limit of 50mph will be in place.

The safety barrier replacement will be carried out during the daytime, however, the lane closures will remain in place for 24 hours while the work is carried out.

Site operations will be split into two phases to reduce the amount of traffic management affecting motorists, with the first phase commencing on Monday, July 30 for three weeks. and the second phase starting on August 20 for two weeks.

BEAR Scotland’s North East Representative Andy Thompson said safety is a top priority for both BEAR Scotland and Transport Scotland. "While we recognise that the 24-hour lane closures may affect journey times on the route, they are essential to ensure the safety of the travelling public whilst the operations are ongoing," he said.

"We encourage road users to plan their journey in advance and allow some extra journey time.”

Real time journey information will be available from Traffic Scotland on www.trafficscotland.org, on twitter @trafficscotland, or on the new Traffic Scotland mobile site, my.trafficscotland.org.