SECTIONS of the M90 motorway will be closed this weekend due to the replacement of overhead power cables and electricity poles at Kelty.

Drivers have been warned they could face an additional 20 minutes to their journeys using the diversion route as the work takes place from Saturday night.

SP Energy Networks is carrying out essential upgrades in the village and in the surrounding area, with a 30-strong team removing overhead power cables and electricity poles that are more than 70-years-old and no longer fit for purpose.

Ross Galbraith, SP Energy Networks district general manager for Central and Fife, said: “These necessary works – which will replace lines and poles that have reached the end of their lives and create additional capacity – will make a real difference for the local electricity network and ensure it can continue to support the growing demand for electricity from local communities and businesses as we all strive for a net zero future.

“We always work to keep the impact of our works to a minimum and we’ve planned the works to include a weekend overnight road closure when fewer vehicles will be on the roads, with our teams working through the night to get the job done.

"We would urge those travelling on the M90 during these essential works to allow more time for their journeys and thank them in advance for their patience and understanding.

Sections of the M90 will be shut between 10pm on Saturday night and 6am on Sunday morning.

Both the north and southbound sections of the motorway will be closed during this time at the following junctions: Junctions 2A and 3 – Dunfermline, Junction 4 – Kelty, Junction 5 – Fruix.

Traffic will be diverted northbound off the M90 on to the A92 through Cowdenbeath – A909 to Kelty – and B996 and B9097 to junction 5 at Fruix. The reverse will apply for southbound traffic.

The works will ensure the network can operate effectively as more 'green' electricity flows through the region as part of the transition from fossil fuels – like coal and gas – to renewable electricity.

Mr Galbraith added: “I look forward to the works being completed and delivering the benefits of better network performance and reliability as well as improved security of supply for communities and businesses in the Kelty area."