"ESSENTIAL" roadworks costing £310,000 will get underway on the A92 between Cowdenbeath and Crossgates on Friday.

The resurfacing improvements, to create a "safer and smoother journey for motorists", will take place on the southbound carriageway and last for three days.

BEAR Scotland, who are carrying out the work, said strict physical distancing protocols will be in place to protect teams.

They added: "The essential project is set to begin at 7.30pm on Friday and has been planned to take place over three days using 24-hour working, with all improvements expected to be completed by 6.30am on Monday.

"To ensure roadworkers and road users are kept safe during the project, a contraflow system of traffic management will be in place on the A92 between Cowdenbeath and Crossgates throughout the weekend.

"The Cowdenbeath southbound on-slip will be also be closed for safety with a signed diversion route via the northbound A92 to Lochgelly northbound off-slip and then back onto the A92 southbound via the A92 Lochgelly southbound on-slip.

"In preparation for the project there will be overnight lane closures in place for safety on both the northbound and southbound carriageway tomorrow (Thursday) to allow for traffic management to be installed ahead of the project."

Consultation has taken place in advance of the resurfacing works to make stakeholders aware of the traffic management arrangements and to minimise any inconvenience.

Andy Thompson, of BEAR Scotland, added: “At this difficult time the safety of our employees and our supply chain remains a top priority during this essential project, and all personnel will be subject to strict physical distancing protocols in line with government guidance to ensure they are kept safe.

"Thorough risk assessments have been developed and cleansing stations will be implemented on site to ensure all staff remain safe.

“The traffic management is essential to ensure the safety of roadworkers and motorists during the project.

"To help minimise delays as much as possible, we’ve planned the improvements to take place using 24-hour working, and our teams will do all they can to complete the works as quickly and safety as possible."

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

Materials removed from the existing carriageway will be recycled using SEPA approved methods.