South Lanarkshire Commuters set to face more motorway misery

Aug 21 2008 by John Rowbotham, Hamilton Advertiser

COUNTY commuters face another three weeks of roadworks misery.

A £450,000 maintenance project starts tomorrow evening (Friday) on the southbound slip road from the M73 to the northbound M74 near Uddingston.

Traffic heading to the slip road will be diverted south to the busy Raith Interchange (Junction 5 of the M74) and from there to the northbound carriageway of the M74.

The work, which is to be carried out by motorway maintenance company Amey, is expected to be completed by September 12.

Drivers using the southbound M73 and the Raith Interchange can expect lengthy delays at peak times.

An Amey spokesman said: “The slip road is supported by a bridge over the M74. The existing waterproofing is leaking and causing surface water to seep through to the bridge deck. “This in turn is causing the concrete to deteriorate.”

Amey’s upgrade will comprise the installation of waterproofing, barrier and concrete repairs, extensive resurfacing, bridge joint replacement and improvements to barrier safety fencing.

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.