News Headlines
Perthshire - A9 Bankfoot Junction Improvement Works, Monday 16th March 2009 to Sunday 16th August 2009
A9 BANKFOOT JUNCTION IMPROVEMENT SCHEME MARCH - AUGUST 2009
A £2.7 million improvement scheme on the A9 at Bankfoot will reduce congestion, improve road safety and deliver road safety benefits by modifying the existing junction to remove the need for right-turns and instigate left-turns only at this location.
Through the use of sustainable materials, engineers have designed the scheme in a way which re-uses existing concrete layers when constructing a new stretch of road. This approach minimises the use of new materials while reducing waste and carbon emissions.
The programme, managed and supervised by Scotland TranServ on behalf of Transport Scotland, involves substantial works to provide the new junction layout and access to Bankfoot.
This section of the A9 trunk road provides a key link to the North of Scotland, carrying around 16,000 vehicles a day. Transport Scotland and Scotland TranServ have worked closely together to minimise the impact on trunk road traffic and the surrounding roads network.
There will be lane restrictions and single lane running controlled by temporary traffic signals throughout the 20 week programme. The A9 trunk road, together with the associated B867 Birnam Road and the C408 Pitcairngreen to Stewart Tower Road will all be affected at various times.. Access to Bankfoot itself will remain open throughout the duration of the works.
Norrie Westbrook, Scotland TranServ's Contract Director, said:
"We are delighted for the road user that this important improvement scheme, to upgrade the busy Bankfoot section of the A9, is due to get underway shortly.
"Both Scotland TranServ and Transport Scotland would like to reassure the travelling public that a great deal of effort has been made to consider the traffic management options, in order to minimise delays to the road user during these works.
"We would advise road users who use this section of the A9 to plan their journey in advance or consider alternative methods of transport during these works".
For current status of these roadworks, please click on the following link:
http://www.trafficscotland.org/roadworks/details.aspx?id=273821
Planned Events Trial Service - 18 Mar 2009
Traffic Scotland have launched a trial planned events service providing comprehensive coverage of all events occurring across Scotland that are deemed to have a significant impact on the trunk road network. The trial service allows users to search for events occurring up to three months ahead by event name, type, date, location and venue. Where available, users can then view further details including the nearest rail station to the venue and can also plan their journey to the event using public transport. Planned and current events can also be viewed on the map on the Traffic Info page.
The new Planned Events service is currently a trial service and we need to evaluate it, so we would like to know what you think of it. You can provide feedback via the Planned Events feedback page. For additional events information on events happening in Scotland a link is provided to the Event Scotland website, covering the Homecoming year.
For further information please click on the following links:
http://www.trafficscotland.org/plannedevents/feedback.aspx
http://www.trafficscotland.org/traffic.aspx?x=270000&y=755000&scale=5348388&itemtypeids=18,17
http://www.trafficscotland.org/plannedevents/index.aspx
GreenFleet Scotland 8th September 2009, Ingliston Showground, Edinburgh
For the first time this year, GreenFleet events will stage GreenFleet Scotland, a display of low and zero emission vehicles on September 8th at Ingliston Showground in Edinburgh.
Produced in association with Energy Saving Trust Scotland, the event will stage an eco-driving showcase which will see top fleets from Scottish businesses and the public sector taking a 30 mile journey to measure their fuel efficiency and discover which fleet is getting the maximum from their vehicles.
Visitors to the event will also discover ways to reduce the environmental impact of their fleets, and will be able to test drive the latest low and zero emission vehicles from the leading manufacturers.
The Energy Saving Trust is one of Scotland's and the UK's leading organisations addressing the damaging effects of climate change. It aims to cut carbon dioxide emissions the main greenhouse gas causing climate change by promoting the sustainable and efficient use of energy.
For further information please click on the following link:
www.greenfleet.net/scotland
North Lanarkshire - M80 Stepps to Haggs Project
M80 STEPPS TO HAGGS UPGRADE
The upgrading of the existing A80 to new M80 from the Stepps area of Glasgow to the existing M80 at Junction 4 Haggs is now underway.
The carriageway build and re-align is expected to take two years and will complete the M80 route from Glasgow to Stirling.
The new M80 build will follow the line of the existing A80 from Mollinsburn to Haggs, with a new section constructed across greenfield space from the M80 (Glasgow) at Junction 3 Hornshill to Mollinsburn. A new Interchange will be constructed at Junction 3 Hornshill. This new section, when complete, will bypass Crowwood Roundabout, the length of the existing A80 from Crowwood to Mollinsburn and the villages of Muirhead and Moodiesburn.
A new and lowered speed limit of 40mph is now in place on the M80 between Junction 3 Hornshill and the A80 Crowwood Roundabout and on the A80 between Moodiesburn and the M80 Junction 4 Haggs. The existing speed limits on the A80 between Crowwood Roundabout and Moodiesburn are not affected. These restrictions will remain in place for the duration of the Project and are covered by a Temporary Traffic Regulation Order.
For further information on the Project, please click on the following link:
http://www.transportscotland.gov.uk/projects/trunk-road-projects/m80-stepps-to-haggs-project
Argyll - A83 Lochgilphead to Lochgair. Roadworks from Monday 11th May to Tuesday 14th July
A83 LOCHGILPHEAD TO LOCHGAIR ROAD IMPROVEMENT WORKS
Road users of the A83 between Inveraray and Lochgilphead are to benefit from a £2,147,000 Transport Scotland upgrade scheme due to start on Monday 11th May 2009 for a period of 9 weeks.
This project, which will be managed by Scotland Transerv, will see 5.6km of the A83 resurfaced with associated improvements to drainage and safety fencing. The scheme also includes a 200m section of footway construction in Middle Kames
The scheme commences 0.5km south of Lochgair and extends to a point approximately 2km south of Port Ann.
For the safety of road users and road workers the project will be carried out using daytime convoy working for surfacing operations with a 10 mph speed restriction combined with a second set of temporary traffic lights with normal shuttle working to allow verge and drainage works to be carried out in parallel with the surfacing operations to minimise the overall construction period.
Motorists should allow extra time for their journeys and pay attention to any advisory signs which will be in place throughout the works.
Glasgow – M8 Paisley Road Off Ramp. Closure from 27th June to 3rd July 2009
M8 SECONDARY CARRIAGEWAY CLOSURE AT PAISLEY ROAD OFF-RAMP
Due to works associated with the completion of the M74 extension from Carmyle to link with the M8 at Tradeston/Kinning Park, the Eastbound M8 Secondary Carriageway will close at the Paisley road off-ramp on Saturday 27th June 2009 for six days.
The off-ramp will be closed between midnight on 27th June 2009 and midnight on 3rd July 2009 to allow for preparatory work for the erection of the bridge that will carry the M74 over the M8.
An alternative route will be in place for traffic during the temporary closure. The route will see road users leave the M8 Eastbound Secondary carriageway at Junction 21 Seaward Street; turn left to travel north on Seaward Street to the junction with Paisley Road and then turn right to travel east on Paisley Road to the end of the diversion at the junction with Paisley Road off-ramp.
Click on the link below for further information on the M74 Completion Project:
www.transportscotland.gov.uk/projects/m74-completion
Highland Region, Isle of Skye – A87 Breakish. Road Improvement Works. Monday 8th June for 5 weeks
A87 BREAKISH - ROAD IMPROVEMENT PROGRAMME
Roadworks will commence on Monday 8th June 2009 for approximately five weeks between 06:00hrs and 18:00hrs each day. Temporary traffic lights will be used during the first week for the widening operation, followed by convoy working using temporary traffic lights with a 10mph speed restriction for the overlay works. Works are expected to complete on or around Friday 10th July.
The work involves widening the existing carriageway followed by a 120mm overlay of the existing surface and application of a high friction surface where required.
The scheme starts approximately 1.8km east of the junction with the A851 Armadale road and extends for a distance of approximately 1km. This is the second of four schemes that are planned for the A87 on Skye in the summer of 2009.
Although the works and timing have been planned in an effort to minimise disruption, road users should consider journey times and possible delay.
The works are being carried out by Scotland TranServ on behalf of Transport Scotland.
West Lothian - M8(W) J3 (Livingston), Carriageway Works, Sunday 21st June 2009 for 40 nights.
CARRIAGEWAY IMPROVEMENT WORKS M8 JUNCTION 3, LIVINGSTON
From the 21st June 2009, continuing for 40 nights, works will see safety fences constructed along the main carriageway and slip roads together with upgrading of traffic signs and lighting works.
The works will ensure this section of motorway continues to operate safely for years to come.
Major areas of work will be undertaken overnight from 20.00hrs to 06.00hrs to minimise disruption to road users. Slip road closures, lane closures and a 40mph speed limit will be in place for the safety of both road users and roads crews during these hours.
Signed diversions will be in place via the A899 and A89 between Junction 2 and Junction 3A when the slip road closures are in place.
Two lanes of traffic will be maintained in each direction during daytime and peak hours.
Stephen Breslin, Transport Scotland Project Manager, said: “By investing in safety fences, upgrading traffic signs and improving lighting on this section of the motorway, the travelling public will benefit from improvements on a road which is used by a high volume of traffic each day.”
John Murphy, Director, BEAR Scotland said: “This section of the M8 has lasted well but now is the time to make improvements. Work will be carried out as quickly as possible to minimise disruption to motorists.
“Works have been planned to cause as little inconvenience to road users as possible, with work taking place during the night from 8pm and 6am.
“We will be working to ensure road users are kept updated with respect to traffic management plans so they can make informed decisions about their travel plans while the work is underway.”
Some delays are likely and road users should allow extra time for journeys and consider alternative routes.
Morayshire – A96 Cowfords to Marchfield, West of Mosstodloch. Road Improvement Works from Monday 22nd June 2009 for four weeks.
A96 COWFORDS TO MARCHFIELD - ROAD IMPROVEMENTS WORKS
Road improvement works are to be carried out on the A96 from Cowfords to Marchfield, west of Mosstodloch. The works start on Monday 22nd June for four weeks.
The works, which represent a £964,000 investment by Transport Scotland, will involve the resurfacing of almost one mile of carriageway, widening and extension of the cycle path and improvements to the road drainage system.
The works will be undertaken using two sets of temporary traffic signals. During certain aspects of the works, convoy vehicles will escort traffic through the site at 10mph in the interest of road safety.
Traffic queues and delays will be monitored and current delay times will be displayed on Variable Message Signs at Keith and Lhanbryde. At these locations an alternative route for light vehicles will be signposted via A95 to Mulben and B9103 to Lhanbryde, avoiding the works.
The works are part of a £3.3 million road improvement programme which will also see further upgrade schemes carried out between the Huntly Roundabout North and Westerton Farm, and between Wittet Drive, Elgin and Oakwood. These works are planned for late summer and early autumn.
Materials removed from the existing carriageway will be recycled using SEPA approved methods.
The works and timing have been planned in an effort to minimise disruption to road users, however road users should consider journey times and alternative routes.
The works are being carried out by Ennstone Thistle and will be supervised by BEAR Scotland on behalf of Transport Scotland and have been planned in consultation with Moray Council and Grampian Police
Dumfries - A75 Dumfries Bypass. Lighting Column Replacement Works. Monday 22nd June 2009 for 5 weeks.
A75 DANCINGKNOWE ROUNDABOUT - LIGHTING COLUMN REPLACEMENT WORKS
Working on behalf of Transport Scotland, Amey will replace existing lights on both sides of the road, north of Dancingknowe Roundabout, with new energy efficient lights mounted on aluminium columns which don’t corrode. This particular stretch of road has 24 lighting columns which will be replaced with 22 new energy efficient single lantern columns without compromising the level of light.
The majority of the five weeks work will take place on the A75 trunk road, north of the roundabout, and continue onto Castle Douglas Road (A780) where four columns will be replaced.
Work will take place each day between 9.30am and 3.30pm with three-way temporary traffic lights in place. The traffic signals will be removed every night to minimise disruption to the travelling public.
A number of lane closures will be implemented throughout the project to install the lighting columns safely while maintaining the safety of road users and roads crews alike.
Colin Mackenzie, Amey’s unit manager for south west Scotland said:
“The lighting on this section of the A75 has come to the end of its lifespan therefore giving us the opportunity to replace the old lighting columns with energy efficient lanterns. Work will take place during off-peak day hours to minimise disruption where possible.
“With 21 June marking the longest day in the summertime calendar, we are taking advantage of this before the nights become progressively darker.
Amey urge road users to take a ‘Cone Sense, Common Sense’ approach to roadworks. They are advised to:
Keep to the speed limit. It has been implemented for road user and roads crew safety. Speeding vehicles area 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
Tayside, Dundee - A972 Kingsway East, A92 Greendykes Road, A92/A930 Broughty Ferry Road. Electricity Pylon works June to August 2009.
Dundee 132kV Electricity Cable Upgrade - Final Phase - Removal of Tower Lines and Pylons - Greendykes Road
In April 2008 Scottish and Southern Energy (SSE) started work to upgrade and replace part of the extra-high voltage electricity network in Dundee. The £6.5 million project which is being carried out in three phases will secure a safe and reliable electricity supply to the area.
The first two phases of the project, which involved the installation and commissioning of the new 132kV underground cables, are now complete. The multi-million pound investment programme is moving into the final phase which will involve the removal of the tower line (including pylons) which runs from the Scott Fyffe roundabaout at the top of Greendykes Road to the south side of the railway line adjacent to Broughty Ferry Road. SSE has chosen to carry out these works during the school holidays, in the months of July and August 2009, to minimise disruption to road users.
This work will be carried out in three stages:-
Stage 1 – Equipment Delivery and Scaffold Erection
The first stage of the work will involve the delivery of materials and the erection of scaffolding structures along the route of the tower line. There will be traffic management in place on Greendykes Road, Broughty Ferry Road, Scott Fyffe roundabout and associated approaches on Kingsway East, Douglas Road and Arbroath Road, between 29th June and 27th July. The majority of the work affecting traffic will be carried out at quieter times, including some overnight road closures and daytime lane closures.
The most significant of the traffic management proposals will involve road closures of Greendykes Road which will be carried out overnight on the 17th, 19th, 26th and 27th July, between 7:30pm and 6:00am.
Stage 2 – Wire and Tower Removal
The second stage of the work will involve the removal of the wires and the dismantling of the tower lines. This work will require road closures of Greendykes Road (A92) and Craigie Avenue as follows:-
• Wire removal
29th and 30th July – Full closure of northbound carriageway.
31st July and 1st August – Full closure of southbound carriageway.
29th July - 1st August – Full closure of Craigie Avenue at Greendykes Rd roundabout
• Tower removal
2nd and 3rd August – Greendykes Road will be closed north and south bound on these dates. The southbound closure will be in place until 4th August.
Pedestrians will also be affected by the above works with the closure of footpaths and the erection of scaffolding to provide pedestrian crossingings at various points. Pedestrians are asked only to cross at the appointed positions for their own safety.
Stage 3 – Scaffold Dismantling and Equipment Collection
The last stage will involve the dismantling of the scaffolding and the removal of the materials and equipment. (The reverse of Stage 1).This will require much of the same traffic management as the first stage. These works are programmed to take place between 3rd and 20th August. The most significant of the traffic management proposals will involve road closures of Greendykes Rd which will be carried out during the nights of the 4th, 5th, 11th and 12th of August between 7:30pm and 6:00am.
SSE is working closely with BEAR Scotland Ltd, Dundee City Council and Tayside Police to co-ordinate the work involved throughout the project, to ensure minimal disruption to traffic in the area. Where road closures are required diversions will be put in place locally, as agreed with BEAR Scotland Ltd and Dundee City Council.
Ayrshire – A76 New Cumnock. Resurfacing Works from Monday 29th June 2009 for 5 days
A76 NEW CUMNOCK - TRUNK ROAD RESURFACING PROJECT
A £90,000 project to resurface part of the A76, close to New Cumnock, begins on Monday 29 June for five days.
Working on behalf of Transport Scotland, Amey will resurface almost half a mile of the road surface to prolong the lifespan and minimise future disruption. The essential maintenance will begin at Polshill Farm and continue to Blackwood Farm, one mile south of New Cumnock.
A major reconstruction scheme was completed in 2005 to rebuild a section of the road running through the village. The resurfacing project is not within the village and is on a much lesser scale than the previous reconstruction works. Road users and villagers of New Cumnock can be reassured that this scheme will not cause a great deal of disruption within the village.
Due to the narrowness of the road temporary traffic lights and a convoy system will be in operation. To maintain the safety of road users and road workers alike the speed limit will reduce from 60mph to 10mph through the works.
This particular section of road is heavily used by HGV traffic travelling south to England and accessing nearby quarries and farms.
The works and timing have been planned in an effort to minimise disruption to road users, however road users should consider journey times and alternative routes.
Amey urge drivers to take a 'Cone Sense, Common Sense' approach to roadworks. They are advised to:
• Keep to the speed limit. It has been implemented not just for your safety but the workforce’s too. Speeding vehicles area 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
Highland Region, Isle of Skye – A87 Sligachan. Resurfacing Works from Monday 29th June for 2 weeks
A87 SLIGACHAN – RESURFACING WORKS
Road users of the A87 are set to benefit from a £249,000 Transport Scotland improvement scheme due to start on 29 June 2009 for approximately two weeks.
The carriageway in this area has become worn over time and now needs essential resurfacing to ensure it remains in good condition for years to come. The works, which will be carried out by Scotland Transerv, involve resurfacing almost one mile of carriageway north of the junction with the A863 Dunvegan road.
For the safety of road users and road workers alike, works will be carried out under full night time road closures between 21:00hrs and 07:00hrs from Monday to Friday with a signed diversion route.
When work takes place near to the Sligachan Hotel and Campsite, temporary traffic lights and convoy working will operate from 17:00hrs until the full closure starts at 21:00hrs. A 10mph speed restriction will also apply in this instance.
The works and timing have been planned in an effort to minimise disruption to road users, however due to the particularly long diversion route via Dunvegan, road users should consider journey times and alternative routes.
The works are being carried out by Scotland Transerv and is part of Transport Scotland’s commitment to maintain and improve the trunk road network. This is the third of four resurfacing schemes being carried on the A87 on Skye during summer of 2009.
The Scottish Game Fair - Scone Palace - Friday 3rd, Saturday 4th and Sunday 5th July.
Scottish Game Fair goers urged to leave A9 at Dunkeld
There are major roadworks at Bankfoot on the A9, visitors coming to the Scottish Game Fair from the north down the A9 are being urged by the event organisers to turn off at Dunkeld and follow the signed route on the east side of the Tay to Scone.
The Scottish Game Fair, organised by the Game & Wildlife Conservation Trust, runs from Friday 3 July to Sunday 5 July at Scone Palace, Perthshire.
Garry Barnett, Director, The Scottish Game Fair, says:
“We want to make things as easy as possible for those coming to our Fair and for other traffic travelling north to south down the A9, and we know that, particularly with a fine weather weekend, there will be additional traffic on the road.
“My strong advice is to turn off at Dunkeld and follow the signs, and when returning home to go back via Dunkeld so avoiding the undoubted delays at Bankfoot which we know can be extremely frustrating even on a normal weekday or weekend.
“I would also advise people to come early, and perhaps to leave slightly earlier if they can in order to spread traffic through the day.”
The Scottish Game Fair has a number of ‘priority’ routes to the event which are available to view and download from its website for visitors coming from all directions. These have been drawn up in conjunction with both the local authority and the Police in order to make the journey to and from the event as stress-free as possible.
Click on the link below for more information;
http://www.scottishfair.com/Default.aspx?tabid=61
Closure - A83 A814 Arrocher - B828
All lanes closed in both directions due to a police incident. Diversion Westbound A82 Tarbet - A82 Crianlarich - A85 Tyndrum - A819 - A83 Inveraray. Eastbound diversion reverse of Westbound. Local access available.
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Closure - A75 Dumfries A76 - A780
All lanes closed in both directions.
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Closure - M74 J8 (Canderside) - J9 (Draffan)
All lanes closed Southbound.
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