MSP calls for rethink
Alter time on A85 repair
Stirling MSP Bruce Crawford has raised concerns about the length of time a stretch of the A85 road will be shut due to resurfacing works.
Remedial works are scheduled to take place on a stretch of road east of Ben More, between Crianlarich and Lix Toll, from Sunday July 16 and Friday July 21.
BEAR Scotland, who are responsible for the job, have said that the road will be closed in both directions between 8pm and 6am for the safety of the workforce.
Traffic requiring local access will be stacked at either end of the closure and escorted through every hour, while all other traffic will be asked to follow diversions via the A84, A81, A811 and A82.
Mr Crawford, however, has called on Bear Scotland to push back the time the road will remain open until due to increased traffic on the roads at this time of year.
He said: “While I understand the need for the resurfacing work to be carried out, I am concerned about the road closures times, particularly as the work will commence during the peak tourist season.
“With this in mind I have written to the local community councils to ask for their views and I am also writing to Bear Scotland to ask them to consider pushing back the road closure time to 10pm as there is likely to still be traffic on the roads at 8pm due to the lighter evenings.”
BEAR Scotland say that they will be discussing the plans with local residents, businesses and other stakeholders before a final programme of works is decided.
A spokesperson said: “Essential resurfacing works are planned for a section of the A85 east of Ben More, due to get underway from Sunday July 16 for five nights – currently scheduled to take place between 8pm and 6am. The improvements will take place overnight to limit the impact to motorists and also planned to avoid working on Friday and Saturday nights.
“Recent inspections have highlighted that the road surfacing material used in a previous resurfacing scheme in 2014 is deteriorating earlier than anticipated, and a full repair is being carried out the contractor.
“To keep everyone safe during the works, due to the narrow bends on sections of the road, overnight closures are required to complete the works with diversions in place for road users.
“Local access will be maintained during the improvements when it is safe to pass through the work site. At the moment, the scheme is still in the early consultation stages with residents, local businesses and other stakeholders, and all comments will be taken on board before a final programme is decided.”