"ESSENTIAL" roadworks costing £430,000 will start tonight on the M90 motorway at Kelty.

Resurfacing improvements are scheduled to create a smoother and safer road for motorists on the busy stretch of the northbound carriageway between Junction 4 (Kelty) and Junction 5 (Gairneybridge).

The works begin at 7.30pm tonight and have been programmed to take place over four days using 24-hour working, with the resurfacing completed by 6.30am on Monday.

For the safety of roadworkers as well as motorists, a contraflow system will be in place on the M90 between Junction 4 and 5.

The M90 northbound on-slip at Kelty will be closed throughout the duration of the works with a diversion taking motorists southbound to junction 3 (Halbeath) and then back on the northbound carriageway from there. 

There will be lane closures on the M90 today in both directions as traffic management preparations take place.

Consultation has taken place with local residents to make them aware of the works and to minimise any inconvenience.

Andy Thompson, of BEAR Scotland, said: “The £430,000 resurfacing works are essential for maintaining a high-quality surface which will create a smoother and safer road for road users.

"The work has been scheduled to take place using 24-hour working to minimise delays and reduce the overall impact to road users.

“The traffic management is essential to ensure the safety of road workers and motorists and our teams will do all they can to complete the project as quickly and safely as possible.

“We encourage motorists to plan their journeys in advance by checking the Traffic Scotland website and we encourage motorists to allow some extra time to reach their destination.”

Real-time journey planning information can be obtained by visiting www.trafficscotland.org, on twitter at @trafficscotland or via the new mobile website my.trafficscotland.org.