News Headlines
A87 Isle of Skye - Major Roadworks
MAJOR ROAD MAINTENANCE WORKS ISLE OF SKYE
A87 VARRAGILL TO PORTREE (Phase 3)
WORK STARTS – MONDAY 5th MAY 2008
The contract for the above works has been awarded to Aggregate Industries UK Ltd by Transport Scotland, an agency of the Scottish Executive. The work will commence on 5th May 2008 for a period of 11 weeks.
This contract is the second in a series of planned major road maintenance schemes on the A87 Trunk Road and is being delivered through a £2.5M investment funded by Transport Scotland. The work extends from the north end of the recently completed Phase 1 & 2 contract to the southern limit of Portree. The works being delivered under this contract primarily involves reconstruction and overlay of the existing carriageway to significantly improve the vertical alignment and to extend the life of the carriageway. Other works will include raising masonry bridge parapets, drainage works, installation of vehicle safety fencing, and construction of footway and kerbing on the approach to Portree.
Due to the limited road width and to allow the works to be carried out safely, the majority of the surfacing works will be required to be carried out under convoy operation over discrete sections. Other works will be carried under temporary traffic lights to restrict traffic to single lane operation.
More locally, to allow the reconstruction of the carriageway on the approaches to Varragill Bridge to be carried out safely, the A87 will be closed overnight at Varragill Bridge between the hours of 8pm and 6am on the 23rd, 24th, 25th, 26th & 27th of June 2008.
During these night time closures traffic will be diverted via the A863 from Sligachan to Dunvegan, and the A850/A87 from Dunvegan to Portree. Further information regarding these closures will be published in advance of these works commencing following further consultation with the local authorities and emergency services.
Motorists should allow extra time for their journeys and pay attention to any advisory signs which will be in place throughout the works. Transport Scotland and Scotland TranServ would like to thank motorists and the public in advance for their patience during these planned vital works that will ensure the future of the A87 Trunk Road in this area.
The scheme has been designed by Scotland TranServ who will also carry out the site supervision.
Falkirk - M9 Junction 7 to Junction 11 and M876 Dennyloanhead
BRIDGE IMPROVEMENT WORKS
M9 JUNCTION 7 to JUNCTION 11 & M876 DENNYLOANHEAD
WORK STARTS – 19th May 2008
Motorists are advised that £650,000 bridge improvement works are being undertaken on the M9 and M876 starting on 19th May 2008 for a period of seven weeks.
These essential works involve the installation of new bridge parapet systems, concrete repairs, re-waterproofing, resurfacing and joint replacements on a number of bridges. Throughout the works the hard shoulder for the various sections of the M9 and M876 will be closed. Two traffic lanes will normally be maintained in each direction however the carriageway may be reduced to one lane to facilitate overnight works.
Works will begin on Pirnhall East Bridge and Pirnhall West Bridge (M9 Junction 9) on Monday 19th May for 5 weeks, ending Monday 23rd June. Lane restrictions will also be in place on the A872 (Pirnhall Roundabout) over the Pirnhall bridges. Two lanes will be maintained at all times around the Pirnhall Roundabout.
Works will commence on Lecropt Bridge (M9 between Junction 10 and 11) on Monday 2nd June for 4 weeks, ending Monday 30th June. The unclassified road over the bridge will be closed for the duration of the works and a local diversion route will be in place.
Works to the Plean Bridge (M9 between Jct. 8 and 9) will commence on Monday 9th June for 4 weeks, ending Monday 7th July. These works will require a two-way temporary traffic signal installed on the A9, which runs below the bridge. The temporary traffic lights will be in place 24 hours per day for a period of 3 days followed by off peak restrictions between 09:00hrs and 15.30hrs.
Work on Dennyloanhead Bridge (M876 between Jct. 0 and1) will begin on the 9th June for 4 weeks, ending Monday 7th July. This will require two-way temporary traffic signals on the A872 which runs below the bridge.
Works to the Kinnaird Bridge (M9, Junction7) will start on Tuesday 17th June for 3 weeks, ending Tuesday 8th July. Works will require the closure of the hard shoulder of the M9 for the duration of these works. Lane restrictions will also be required on the M876 but by using the hard shoulder two traffic lanes will be maintained in each direction at all times.
Every effort has been made to minimise delays however, due to the nature of the work, delays are likely. Motorists are encouraged to take account of the restrictions when forming their travel plans. In the interests of their own safety and the safety of the workmen, drivers are urged to pay attention to the temporary road signs and show due care and attention while passing the works.
The works have been programmed in consultation with the local authorities and Central Police. The works will be carried out by Raynesway Construction Ltd on behalf of Transport Scotland and will be supervised by BEAR Scotland.
Glasgow - M8(E) J19 Bothwell Street Off Ramp Closure
Glasgow city centre workers are advised to make necessary arrangements to ensure they get to work on time as a £4.5 million scheme gets underway on one of the busiest stretches of the M8.
Improvement work on Bothwell Street off-ramp begins on Sunday 15th June and is expected to last 20 weeks. The off-ramp will remain closed for the duration of the scheme and a clearly signed diversion route will be in place via North Street/St Vincent St for city centre traffic.
Amey, on behalf of Transport Scotland, will work closely with contractor, Graham Construction who will replace 15 bridge joints, resurface the bridge deck, carry out concrete repairs, install new lighting columns together with waterproofing, and barrier replacements. The scheme is the final phase of major Kingston Bridge refurbishments carried out over the last 15 years; however some further barrier replacements will be planned in the future.
The project is scheduled to begin during the Summer months when commuting traffic flow is quieter. Approximately 100,000 vehicles use Kingston Bridge on a daily basis with an estimated 10,000 using Bothwell Street off-ramp, which forms an important part of the Kingston Bridge complex.
Traffic Restrictions:
Bothwell Street off-ramp will remain closed throughout the project
The speed limit will reduce to 40 mph on approaches to Kingston Bridge
A clearly signed diversion route for city centre traffic will be in continuous operation
Some overnight lane closures are expected
Access from Anderston and West Street on-ramp will remain open
There will be traffic management restrictions on Kingston Bridge
Transport Scotland, Amey and Glasgow City Council have worked closely to minimise any possible congestion. During the planning process seven different diversion routes were considered. These were then processed using specialist technology to determine the most effective route. As a direct result traffic light timings have been altered and road junctions improved at St Vincent Street, Woodlands Road, and St George’s cross.
http://www.trafficscotland.org/images/news/M8BothwellSt2.pdf
Lothian Region - A720 Sheriffhall Roundabout. Major Works Mon.30th June for 12 weeks
Sheriffhall Roundabout upgrade paving the way for £30 million Dalkeith bypass
Work on a £2.2 million package of improvements upgrading the key A720 Sheriffhall Roundabout in advance of the Dalkeith by-pass will start this month on Monday June 30th. The project is expected to last around 12 weeks. Some preparatory works will be carried out during week commencing 23rd June but these will not impact traffic.
The roundabout, currently used by 70,000 vehicles daily, is a vital point in the network linking the A7, A68 and the A720 city by-pass. It also provides access into Edinburgh from the south.
This upgrade scheme, designed by Atkins and managed by BEAR Scotland on Transport Scotland’s behalf, includes lane widening on the roundabout and its approach roads; installing new traffic signals; introducing real-time traffic monitoring equipment; resurfacing the roundabout and approach roads; erecting new high mast street lighting and improving safety barriers.
Duncan McCallum, Senior Road Engineer, Transport Scotland said:
"The £30 million A68 Dalkeith By-pass will open later this year and will bring significant benefits to Dalkeith, reducing congestion and improving the quality of life for local residents.
"In the meantime, this work will ensure Sheriffhall roundabout is ready for the changing demands that the opening of the by-pass will bring as well as generally upgrading the junction which is already one of the busiest on the network."
Much of the works will be carried out at night and during off peak times to minimise disruption. However, essential daytime restrictions during the early phases of the project are expected to cause delays to motorists. A reduced speed limit of 40mph will be in place for the safety of both road workers and road users.
John Murphy, BEAR Scotland South East Director said:
"Full and updated information will be made available throughout the improvement works. We would advise drivers to allow extra time for their journey and pay close attention to the traffic management which will change regularly."
Drivers are asked to leave plenty of time for their journeys and to plan their trip in advance by visiting www.trafficscotland.org for real-time traffic information and advice.
North Ayrshire - A737 Kilwinning. Major Roadworks 28th June for 12 weeks
A737: KILWINNING
A £1.2 million project has been given the go ahead to begin in Kilwinning. Amey, on behalf of Transport Scotland, will work closely with Tarmac National Contracting who will rebuild the A737 between Howgate and Smithstone House Lodge starting on Saturday 28th June for 12 weeks. Some preparation work has already taken place.
Approximately 1.3km of worn carriageway will be replaced together with an anti-skid surface to increase road safety. While having possession of the road new drainage will be installed along with the reconstruction of footways at Grangewood Estate (Barratt housing estate).
During the planning of the project there has been a considerable amount of consultation between Amey and local representatives including the Community Council, Elderly Forum and North Ayrshire Councillors
Stella Forshaw from Kilwinning Community Council said:
“The long term benefits of an upgraded road and drainage system will outweigh a few weeks of inconvenience. This is a very busy connection to Glasgow and part of the larger picture regarding roads and transport in this regeneration area.”
George Connell, traffic manager from Stagecoach West Scotland said:
" Amey met with Stagecoach Bus Company to discuss implications on the local bus service. Temporary timetables will be in place for the Ayrshire - Garnock Valley - Glasgow services as well as service 25 between Kilbirnie and Irvine on an alternative route. Minibus services 25A and 125 will operate as normal and a shuttle service operated by minibuses will run at 30 minute intervals between Dalry and Kilwinning through the day on Monday to Saturday."
The A737 in Kilwinning will be reduced to one lane at all times with traffic signals in use. A convoy system will operate when the workforce is on-site. The road will be closed to vehicles wider than 2.5 metres and/or heavier than 3.5 tonnes, however, diversions will be clearly signed. Tarmac will be on site between 8am and 8pm Monday to Saturday.
Willie Watson, Amey’s unit manager for trunk routes in south west Scotland said:
“The majority of the work takes place beside two schools in the area. We have therefore scheduled the bulk of the work to take place during the school break, moving north of the schools towards the end of the scheme.
“We are aware of the drainage problem on this part of the A737, particularly outside the park, and new drainage will be installed as part of the work.”
Amey urge drivers to take a ‘Cone Sense, Common Sense’ approach to roadworks:
Keep to the speed limit, it has been implemented for not just your safety but the workforce’s too – speeding vehicles are a serious threat to staff
Concentrate on the road ahead, not the roadworks
Be alert for roadworks traffic and personnel leaving or entering the safety managed roadworks site
Keep a safe distance – there could be queues in front
Observe all signs – they are there to help you
Get into the correct lane in good time – don’t keep switching
Inverclyde - A8 Port Glasgow. Major Weekend Works Sat.28th June & Sat.5th July
A8: PORT GLASGOW
WEEKEND ROADWORKS – NEWARK ROUNDABOUT AND FORE STREET
Amey on behalf of Transport Scotland will resurface two sections of the A8 trunk road over two weekends at the end of June and beginning of July.
Section 1
The first section will begin in the late evening of Saturday 28th June where 150m of carriageway resurfacing of the west bound carriageway at Newark roundabout will be carried out. The work will stop at the bus lay-by before Bay Street. A contra flow will be in continuous operation on the east bound carriageway. Road users from Clune Brae and Glasgow road will be diverted via Woodhall roundabout. Traffic restrictions will be lifted before the busy morning rush hour period on Monday 30th June.
Section 2
The second section will be resurfaced during the weekend of Saturday 5th July. Traffic management will be put in place during the Saturday evening. Work will begin at Fore Street and finish before the new roundabout at Tesco. A contra flow will be in continuous operation. Fore Street will remain closed and traffic will be diverted along the new section of the A8 trunk road to enter Port Glasgow at the roundabout nearest Greenock. A member of Amey personnel will control access to Bay Street during this section of work. Traffic restrictions will be lifted before the busy morning rush hour period on Monday 7th July.
Michael Robin, Amey’s network area manager for south west Scotland said:
“We are carrying out a vital improvement project on the A8 over two weekends. The works have been planned to take place in the shortest period possible to cause minimal disruption but there may be some short term delays.
“We urge drivers to leave extra time for their journeys, especially if they are travelling to Glasgow Airport or into Glasgow itself.”
Highland Region - A82 Fort William. Major Works @ Druimarbin 30th June for 3 weeks
Roadworks
A82 DRUIMARBIN
WORK STARTS MONDAY 30th JUNE 2008
The above works are to be carried out by Scotland TranServ.
The works will commence on 30th June 2008 for a period of approximately 3 weeks, utilising daytime Convoy Working using Temporary Traffic Lights with a 10mph speed restriction, where applicable.
The Scheme starts approximately 5.5Km South of Fort William and extends 1.4km in a Northerly direction.
This scheme is part of the commitment by Transport Scotland to maintain and improve the Trunk Road network. The works involves a 60mm inlay of the existing surface, with deep patching. Anti-skid material will be applied to the road surface on bends.
Motorists should allow extra time for their journeys and pay attention to location and timings of the works on the A82.
Supervision of the scheme will be carried out by Scotland TranServ.
Value of the works is approximately £243,000.
Closure - A82 Invermoriston - Invergarry
All lanes closed in both directions for more than an hour
more details
Delay Info for - A80 Condorrat - Auchenkilns
Southbound closure with contraflow on northbound carriageway
more details
Delay Info for - M8 J19 - J19(E) Kingston Bridge
Total closure of Bothwell St off ramp
For bridge deck water proofing, parapet replacement and resurfacing works
Local diversions will be in place.
more details