Two week delays for M74 motorists

Nov 5 2009 by Gary Fanning, Hamilton Advertiser

THOUSANDS of fed-up commuters face two weeks of motorway misery when work begins on a £1m upgrade of the M74.

Motorists were this week urged to take extra time for their journeys when vital work on the motorway gets under-way on either Monday, November 16, or the following Monday.

A Transport Scotland upgrade programme on the existing M74 will see traffic flow safety improved through the first ever use of interactive electronic queue monitoring equipment.

The £1m scheme to reconstruct a section of this vital motorway close to Hamilton and Bothwell gets underway in mid November and is expected to last two weeks.

Amey, who are monitoring the scheme on Transport Scotland’s behalf, will use technology to monitor queues and relay messages to a variable message sign (VMS) sited about half a mile from the start of the works.

The sign will display warning messages such as “Caution, queuing traffic ahead” to approaching drivers in a bid to reduce the number of rear end smashes.

The signs can help traffic flows by giving up-to-the-minute information about delays. Any details from the equipment will be relayed to Traffic Scotland as an addition to the journey planning information they already provide.

Alex Joannides, Transport Scotland’s project manager, said: “This continuing investment in the existing M74 will help maintain this vital section of motorway for years to come.”

Colin Mackenzie, Amey unit manager, added: “As with any roads project of this nature, delays are inevitable, therefore, we ask drivers to carefully plan their journeys, seeking out alternative means of transport where available.

“Further information will be available to drivers via twitter on a daily basis.

“This section of the M74 is particularly busy with HGV traffic using Bothwell Services.

“We have liaised closely with the services when designing the works.”

The project involves digging out and reconstructing the carriageway to foundation levels to replace worn sections of the road ensuring it remains in good condition for years to come.

For the safety of road users and road workers there will be a contraflow speed limit reduction lane and slip road closures.

The lanes on the motorway will be down to two in both directions.

Drivers are asked to be patient, leave plenty of time and plan their journeys in advance using Traffic Scotland and Traveline Scotland websites or by calling the 24-hour customer service number 0800 281414.

Twitter updates are available athttp://twitter.com/AmeySouthWest