New roadworks misery lies ahead

Apr 10 2008

LANARKSHIRE motorists are set for more misery on the county’s roads.

A £450,000 Transport Scotland improvement programme to the A725 East and West bridges at High Blantyre is scheduled to begin on May 12 and last for 30 days.

Drivers across the county have been suffering delays since March with ongoing work between the Raith Interchange and the M73.

The next stage of the development in High Blantyre has been described by Transport Scotland as vital work.

Carried out by the ERDC Group and supervised by Amey on Transport Scotland’s behalf, it will see the bridges undergo extensive work including waterproofing.

The work will start in just over two weeks after the £4 million M74 junction 4 to 5 project is finished.

A Transport Scotland spokesperson said: “For safety reasons, it is essential to close the northbound carriageway for 15 days and then the southbound carriageway for a further 15 days.

“During this time, traffic will travel in a contraflow with one lane in each direction and a reduced speed of 40mph.

“The roundabout below the bridges (B7012) will close at the weekends, from 10pm on Fridays until 6am on Mondays. A clear diversion route will be in place.”

Bill Valentine, Transport Scotland’s chief bridge engineer, added: “These are vital works to upgrade certain parts of the bridge that have become worn over time and must now be replaced.

“This is a busy section carrying around 18,000 vehicles daily.”