News Headlines
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 UPDATE - 27th AUGUST 2008
Sheriffhall Roundabout upgrade paving the way for £30 million Dalkeith bypass
SEE BELOW FOR UPDATE 27th AUGUST, 2008
Work on a £2.2 million package of improvements upgrading the key A720 Sheriffhall Roundabout in advance of the Dalkeith by-pass is currently underway. The project is expected to be completed by end of September 2008.
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.
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.
SHERIFFHALL ROUNDABOUT IMPROVEMENT WORKS
TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT UPDATE 27th AUGUST 2008
The road surfacing works undertaken by BEAR Scotland at the A720 Sheriffhall Roundabout, which required overnight local road closures over the last two weekends, have been successfully completed. There is now no need for similar restrictions previously planned for this coming weekend.
Temporary traffic management arrangements have now reverted to roundabout approaches being reduced to two lanes of traffic with the roundabout itself being reduced from three lanes to two lanes.
A 30mph speed limit remains in place for the safety of workers and motorists.
John Murphy, BEAR Scotland’s Director for South East comments:-
‘The partial closure of the roundabout and the favourable weather over the last two weekends have allowed a huge amount of resurfacing work to be progressed safely and efficiently. We are pleased that the 3rd weekend closure will not be required. The works
remain on programme for completion by the middle of September. Motorists’ continued patience is appreciated.”
North Ayrshire - A737 Kilwinning. Major Roadworks Update 22nd August 2008
A737: KILWINNING - SEE BELOW FOR 22nd AUGUST UPDATE
A £1.2 million roadworks project is underway 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. Works started on Saturday 28th June.
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).
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.”
A737: KILWINNING - UPDATE 22nd AUGUST 2008
ROADWORKS COMPLETION - NOW EXPECTED EARLY TO MID OCTOBER
Essential roadworks in Kilwinning that were originally due to finish on 20 September will now be extended into October.
Amey, who are managing the works on Transport Scotland’s behalf, have had to extend the works following high rainfall levels and some unforeseen engineering challenges, including the need to remove soft areas which were encountered during the excavation of the existing carriageway. These areas were removed and replaced with concrete.
As the road is narrow in parts a convoy system is in operation restricting commuters to a maximum of 10mph to ensure the safety of the workforce. A barrier system protects the public passing through the site while the works continue. Despite an expectation of teething problems with HGVs, disruption has been minimal.
A marshal scheme operates during working hours to steward pedestrians past the works and areas of restricted access.
Willie Watson, Amey’s unit manager for trunk routes in south west Scotland said:
“With the schools now back from their summer break there is a noticeable difference in the amount of traffic on the A737. While works are currently moving towards the north end of the town we would ask residents and commuters using this route to observe the traffic management in place.
“Restrictions on vehicles wider than 2.5 metres and/or heavier than 7.5 tonnes will remain in place until the project is complete.”
Investment In Key Lanarkshire Roads
Two key routes in Lanarkshire will benefit from a £4.5 million investment package from Transport Scotland this summer.
Three different improvement schemes aimed at improving journey times and safety will commence on the M74 at junctions 7 and 11 and the A725 close to Strathclyde Business Park.
The first of the projects starts on Tuesday 22 July and will see a 82m section of bridge deck spanning the M74 near junction 7 Larkhall resurfaced and waterproofed over a 10 day period. This investment will also deliver replacement expansion joints as well as new footpaths and safety fencing.
The second project will see new traffic signals activated this summer on the A725 close to Strathclyde Business Park, the owners of which have jointly funded the improvement with Transport Scotland, and the adjacent North Road increased to two lanes. The A725 is a key commuter route which carries over 30,000 vehicles each day from Carmunock Bypass in East Kilbride to Shawhead Roundabout in Coatbridge. These lights will help reduce congestion, bringing a welcome boost to both workers and employers in the area.
Starting in early autumn, the third Lanarkshire project involves the reconstruction of a critical section of the southbound M74 carriageway from Gleck & Bog Bridge to junction 11. This is the last of four phases of work to replace the concrete carriageway carried out on this part of the M74 since 2006.
Graham Edmond, Transport Scotland's National Network Manager said: "This package of improvements is part of our ongoing commitment to maintaining the trunk road network across Lanarkshire and beyond. They will bring real benefits to drivers on both the A725 and on the M74."
"These are busy routes for both commuters and for businesses, by investing in them now we are able to ensure they are maintained in optimum condition for many years to come. We welcome the support we have received from Strathclyde Business Park for these new traffic signals."
The M74 and A725 are key commuter routes within Lanarkshire and the investment package will ensure their integrity on the network for years to come. After a great deal of work over the past few years at junction 11 on the M74 (Gleck & Bog bridge), the final concrete section will now be removed.
Traffic Restrictions for the M74 Junction 7 (Larkhall) project are as follows:
• An outside lane closure will be in effect on the southbound off slip at Junction 7 for the duration of the bridge works
• The northbound on slip at Junction 7 will remain open throughout
• The approach to Wellgate Street in Larkhall from the bridge will remain closed for the duration of the works
• Signs will be in place on the southbound off-ramp to advise drivers travelling to Larkhall to continue south to Junction 8 (Canderside). Access to the Lanark area will still be maintained
• Drivers will continue to the roundabout on the B7078 to Larkhall
• M74 Northbound traffic from the Lanark area will travel on the A72 Garrion Bridge, joining the A71 south of Junction 8 with access to the M74 northbound or continue north on the B7078 to the Junction 7 on ramp
A96 Keith - Roadworks
Road users are advised that works on the A96 Moss Street, Keith between Dunnyduff Road and Union Street are to begin on Monday 21st July and are expected to last approximately three months.
The works, which represent a £1.6m investment by Transport Scotland, involve the reconstructing of 650m section of carriageway, renewal of the footways and installation of a new surface water drainage system.
Two-way temporary traffic signals will operate throughout the works between the hours of 0830hrs and 1900hrs Monday to Friday and 0900 hrs to 1700hrs on Saturdays; no work will take place on Sundays.
Motorists should be aware that the restrictions will be removed during the Keith Show on 10th and 11th August.
Motorists and pedestrians should be aware that the side lanes that connect to Moss Street will be closed at various times. In the interests of safety, some sections of footway will be closed. Residents have been informed of the works and will be kept up to date as the works progress.
To help minimise disruption, the works have been timed to coincide with works to build a new access into the Tesco development at the north end of Moss Street.
North Lanarkshire - M8 J4-J5 Harthill (Blairmuckhill - Blairmains)
Road users are advised that the first phase of a vital £12m upgrade programme on the M8 will start on Monday 21st July and run until Friday 12th September.
The works on a 2.3km section of the eastbound carriageway between Junction 5 and 4, Blairmains to Blairmuckhill, will see the reconstruction of both traffic lanes and the hardshoulder.
This phase represents a £2.5 million investment in the road network and forms part of Transport Scotland’s ongoing M8 improvement strategy to ensure that the motorway, which was built in the 1970s, continues to operate safely for years to come.
The traffic will be managed using a contra-flow which will maintain two lanes of traffic in both directions during the working day, including the morning and evening peak periods. Similarly, at weekends and through the night, two lanes of traffic will be maintained in each direction as much as possible. However, the contractor will reduce this to one lane at certain off-peak times. A reduced speed limit of 40mph will be in place at the works site, for the safety of motorists and the workforce.
Due to the lane restrictions wide load vehicles (over 3.2m wide) will be diverted off the M8 between J5 and J4 and along the B7057 and the B7066.
The reconstruction works have been carefully planned, designed and timed in consultation with local councils and the police to minimise the impact on the travelling public, however some delays are unavoidable due to the volume of traffic on this route.
Lanarkshire - M73(S) Junction 1 Slip to M74(N)
M73: SLIP ROAD IMPROVEMENT WORKS
A £450,000 maintenance project for the M73 is to be delivered by motorway managers AMEY, on behalf of Transport Scotland. The scheme is located on the southbound slip road from the M73 to the northbound M74. During the works the slip road will be closed with traffic diverted via Raith Interchange which is Junction 5 of the M74.
Works commence after the evening peak period on Friday 22 August and will be completed by Monday 15 September. Drivers using the southbound M73 in this area are advised to expect delays. (All road users should bear in mind that increased traffic can be expected on this section of the network at times when football traffic is accessing and leaving the Parkhead area of Glasgow).
The slip road is supported by a bridge structure which sits over the M74 main carriageway. The existing waterproofing material is leaking and causing surface water to seep through to the bridge deck. This in turn is causing the concrete to deteriorate.
While the slip road is closed AMEY personnel will undertake a complete programme of waterproofing, barrier and concrete repairs, extensive resurfacing, bridge joint replacement and barrier safety fencing improvements.
Ken Bryden, AMEY'S network area manager overseeing the project said:
“Drivers will be diverted via Raith Interchange which will cause them a degree of delay and we also anticipate queuing traffic on the southbound M73 which is regrettable.
“We will be doing everything we can to ensure that the traffic management layout and advance signing helps to keep road users on the move but we appeal to drivers to consider alternative routes and to set out in plenty of time.”
During this period road users are advised to look into alternative modes of transport. Further information can be obtained from www.trafficscotland.com and www.travelinescotland.org or alternatively call 0871 200 2233.
Drivers are urged to take a ‘Cone Sense, Common Sense’ approach to roadworks when travelling through the site area.
Drivers should ensure their own, and road workers, safety by:
· Keeping within the speed limit
· Getting into the correct lane in good time - don’t keep switching.
· Concentrating on the road ahead, not the roadworks.
· Keeping alert for works traffic leaving or entering roadworks.
· Keeping a safe distance - there could be queues in front.
· Observing all signs - they are there to help you
Highland Region - A95 Spey Bridge, Grantown-on-Spey
ESSENTIAL WATERPROOFING AND SURFACING WORKS
A95 Spey Bridge - just outside Grantown-on-Spey
Works started Monday 18th August for six weeks
Essential waterproofing and surfacing road works started on Monday 18th August, on the A95 Spey Bridge. They are programmed to last for five weeks, depending on weather conditions.
Three-way temporary traffic lights on Spey Roundabout on the south side of the bridge will be in operation throughout the works. The footway will be closed throughout the works for safety reasons. Pedestrians are being diverted through Anagach.
A 30mph speed limit will be in operation. Drivers are asked to plan their journeys in advance to avoid disruption.
The works have been planned in consultation with the local community council, Highland Council, Moray Council and the Police.
Argyll - A828 Connel Bridge Closures from Monday 8th September for 4 nights
A828 CONNEL BRIDGE OVERNIGHT CLOSURES
Monday 8th September 2008, starting overnight at 00:01hrs until Tuesday 9th September at 06:00hrs.
Tuesday 9th September 2008, starting overnight at 00:01hrs until Wednesday 10th September at 06:00hrs.
Wednesday 10th September 2008, starting overnight at 00:01hrs until Thursday 11th September at 06:00hrs.
Thursday 11th September 2008, starting overnight at 00:01hrs until Friday 12th September at 06:00hrs.
Bridge closure is required for essential replacement of an overhead steel beam. This work is to be carried out Scotland Transerv on behalf of Transport Scotland.
Replacement overhead height restriction signs will also be installed.
During the periods when the bridge is closed, diversion routes will be in place.
From Oban, Northbound Connel Bridge traffic should follow the A85(E) to Tyndrum and the A82(N) to Ballachulish, then North on the A82 for Fort William or South on the A828 for Connel Bridge.
From Crianlarich, Northbound Connel Bridge Traffic should follow the A82(N) to Tyndrum and Ballachulish and then North on the A82 for Fort William or South on the A828 for Connel Bridge.
From Fort William and Ballachulish, Southbound Connel Bridge traffic should follow the A82(S) to Tyndrum, taking the A85(W) for Connel Bridge and Oban or the A82(S) for Crianlarich.
During the bridge closures, passage will be provided across the bridge for Emergency Vehicles only.
There will be no relaxation of this closure for any vehicle other than Emergency Vehicles.
There will be no passage for pedestrians from Midnight each night due to the heavy lifting and welding operations in progress.
This £40,000 scheme is part of the commitment by Transport Scotland to maintain and improve the Trunk Road network.
These repair works are vital to the safety of the bridge and are unavoidable. They are being carried out at night time to minimise disruption to the public.
Fife Region - A985 Kincardine to Rosyth. Major Works at Bordie Bends from 2nd August for one month
ESSENTIAL ROAD MAINTENANCE WORKS
A985 Bordie Bends
Work starts – Tuesday 2nd September 2008 for one month
Motorists are advised that essential road maintenance works are to be undertaken on the A985 at Bordie Bends between Kincardine and Rosyth. They will start on Tuesday 2nd September and run for a period of one month.
These works are part of Transport Scotland’s on-going investment in the trunk road network and will involve the reconstruction of the carriageway and drainage improvement works.
Temporary traffic signals will be in place for the duration of the works. In the interests of safety, during the day, convoy vehicles will be used to escort vehicles through the site at 10 mph. At night there will be a 30mph speed limit.
Due to the nature of the works, some delays are expected. Motorists are asked to plan their journeys’ accordingly and urged to show due care and attention while passing the works.
Brian Gordon, BEAR Scotland’s Director for North East said: “This stretch of road is nearing the end of its useful life and the work is vital to ensure that the safety of the carriageway and ensure it continues to operate effectively for years to come.”
The works, which have been planned in consultation with the Fife Council and Fife Constabulary and are being carried out by Leiths Scotland Ltd on behalf of Transport Scotland. BEAR Scotland Ltd designed and will supervise the project.
High winds - A9 Kessock Bridge
All lanes restricted in both directions for more than an hour
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.
NB
M8 Anderson on slip E/B to be closed and traffic to be diverted – North St - Charing X. (Thurs/Fri 22:00 - 06:00)
North st off ramp E/B Cones to be extended farther down North St off ramp(Monday 22:00 - 06:00)
more details