Navigating Elgin’s most challenging junctions

Discover the junctions in Elgin that drivers should avoid during peak hours.

Driving through Elgin can often feel like a test of patience, especially during peak hours. As the town continues to grow, so does the complexity of its road network. Certain junctions have gained a notorious reputation among locals for their traffic congestion and frustrating delays.

In this article, we will explore the top junctions that drivers should consider avoiding, particularly during busy times.

The Buccaneer Garage Junction

One of the most infamous junctions in Elgin is the right turn from Lesmurdie Road towards Lossiemouth at the Buccaneer garage.

This junction is notorious for its long wait times, especially during rush hour. The A941 road connecting Elgin to Lossiemouth sees a high volume of traffic, making it a daunting task to turn right. Many drivers opt to take longer routes just to avoid the frustration of waiting at this junction. With ongoing residential developments in the area, such as the new homes at Findrassie, this junction is likely to become even busier in the future.

Edgar Road from The Wards

Another junction that drivers dread is the turn onto Edgar Road from The Wards, particularly during school pick-up times. Although recent improvements have introduced a dedicated right filter lane, the sheer volume of traffic from nearby retail parks and residential areas makes this junction a headache. The unusual staggered layout of the crossroads adds to the confusion, making it a spot that many drivers prefer to avoid altogether. With potential new developments, such as a supermarket, the traffic here could increase significantly.

Moss Street Bottleneck

While not a junction in the traditional sense, Moss Street is one of the worst bottlenecks in Elgin. This narrow road struggles to accommodate two lanes of traffic alongside parked cars, leading to frustrating delays. Drivers often find themselves waiting for gaps in oncoming traffic, especially when heading uphill. Previous proposals to convert Moss Street into a one-way street were shelved, leaving the traffic situation unresolved. The influx of vehicles traveling between Aberdeen and Inverness only exacerbates the congestion at this location.

Wittet Drive Turnoff

The turnoff at Wittet Drive near Dr. Gray’s Hospital is another junction that deserves special mention. Vehicles turning right off the A96 can cause significant backups as drivers wait for a clear space. The visibility when turning out of Wittet Drive is poor, often leading to near-miss incidents. Despite improvements such as the transition from a mini roundabout to traffic lights, the layout still confuses many drivers. The addition of a right filter lane has helped, but the junction remains a point of concern for local motorists.

Conclusion

Elgin’s road network presents unique challenges for drivers, particularly at certain junctions that are prone to congestion. By being aware of these trouble spots, motorists can plan their routes more effectively and avoid unnecessary delays. As the town continues to evolve, ongoing improvements and developments will hopefully alleviate some of these traffic issues in the future.