Work in progress
Bid to cut road delays
Traffic delays at the entrance to Bothwell have been cut due to a change in signal timings according to council chiefs.
But the local authority remains unhappy about the junction and lights set-up despite ‘regular dialogue’ with project contractors.
Last month motorists hit out after being caught up in tailbacks when the new junction and lights – previously a mini roundabout – were implemented as part of the M8/M73/M74 motorway improvement project.
Central Scotland MSP Margaret Mitchell wrote to South Lanarkshire chief executive Lindsay Freeland following the delays as the local authority are due to take on responsibility for the lights at a later date.
Responding on Mr Freeland’s behalf to the M S P, p l a n n i n g c h i e f Michael Mcglynn told her: ‘Since the date of your letter, I can advise that the council is aware that the signal timings have been altered, resulting in reduced delays.
‘I understand that further work is being programmed to install a management system called MOVA and this will further reduce delays of those using the junction.
‘The council has been assured that further monitoring and alterations will be undertaken.
‘As a consequence, it is anticipated that congestion at the junction will reduce and the traffic signals will operate within capacity through all periods of the day.’
The letter also mentioned meetings between council representatives and the Scottish Ministers’ site representative which had agreed that Transport Scotland would ‘survey, assess options and take forward solutions to resolve any issues should they occur.’
Mr Mcglynn explained: ‘Since that time there has been regular dialogue between the site contractors and the council in relation to their contractual obligations to provide traffic signals at the junction.
‘There have been various aspects of the design process that have caused concern and, to date, the Council is disappointed with the progress of the works.
‘These concerns have been expressed to Transport Scotland, The Scottish Roads Partnership and the contractors involved in this part of the project.’