Driven to despair at prospect of more disruption on roads

JONATHAN GEDDES

Cambuslang motorists have been left dismayed after it emerged they are facing 10 weeks of disruption due to work upgrading the gas network in the area.

SGN began the upgrade on Monday, on Hamilton Road, with a ‘give and take’ traffic system and temporary traffic lights installed.

The work is scheduled to last for five weeks, with a second phase of works following in January.

That phase of works, also lasting five weeks, will see two- and three-way temporary traffic lights installed and the cycle lane closed.

Drivers reacted with anger on social media at hearing the news, after the Reformer published the story online.

Steven McDavitt wrote: “There has been disruptive roadworks around Halfway and Cambuslang every single week for the past three years, it’s ridiculous.”

David Yardley added: “Common sense tells you one or two sets of road works at a time and finish them first before allowing the next one to start.

“It is only a matter of time before someone gets injured by a motorist taking a shortcut through the smaller streets.”

In a letter to locals, the SGN said: “This essential work involves the replacement of old, metal gas mains with new plastic pipe to ensure a continued safe and reliable gas supply.

“Following discussions with South Lanarkshire Council, our project will start on October 28 and last approximately 10 weeks. We’ll be carrying out the work over two phases to help minimise disruption. Each phase is described below.

“On Monday, October 28, we’ll begin working in Hamilton Road between numbers 175 and 142. To ensure everyone’s safety, we will implement a ‘give and take’ traffic management system from outside number 175. This will then change to two and threeway temporary traffic lights until we reach number No 142.”

The January works will particularly affect local cyclists.

The letter continued: “From Monday, January 6, 2020, we’ll continue working in Hamilton Road from outside number 142 to between Howieshill Road and the overhead railway crossing.

“During this phase we will install two and three-way temporary traffic lights where necessary. Whilst we carry out our work, the cycle lane will be closed and will be utilised for our work area.

“Cyclists will be required to dis-mount and use the footpath. All temporary traffic lights used in this project will be manually controlled during peak hours to help minimise inconvenience as much as possible.”

People seeking more information on the works can call project manager Derek Barr on 0141 418 4000 during office hours, or SGN customer service on 0800 912 1700 outside those times.