Five more months of bridge hold-ups
Shock as Scottish Water ask for more time
Scottish Water have come under fire after it was revealed that works to repair Ballat Bridge will run on until spring next year.
Motorists on the A81 are being warned to expect disruption to continue for another five months.
The work, which started in midSeptember, was due to finish at the end of December.
But Scottish Water say the repair works will take longer than anticipated and the temporary road closure between Balfron Station and the Ballat Crossroads, which was put in place on September 18, will remain.
They admitted to the Observer earlier this month that while they were carrying out the work a requirement for additional ground works was identified and this would likely impact on the timescale.
The bridge over the A81was damaged last September when it was hit by the arm of an earthmover which was on a lorry passing under the structure. It is owned by Scottish Water and carries water mains from Loch Katrine to Glasgow.
Stirling MSP Bruce Crawford has been contacted by a number of his constituents, concerned about the implications the closure could have on businesses in the area, and he has written to Scottish Water bosses to highlight such concerns.
He said: “The sheer length of time of closure has taken its toll on residents and businesses local to the area.
“It is now estimated that the works will take until spring next year to complete, which is putting businesses under considerable financial stress.
“It is surprising that it has taken a year to arrive at the conclusion as to how much time is needed to complete these works.
“That is why I have written to the chief executive of Scottish Water for details on the new expected timescale as well as what further action they are prepared to undertake in order to mitigate the effects a prolonged period of road closure will have on residents and businesses.”
Trossachs and Teith councillor Martin Earl has also written to Scottish Water to ask that they work to shorten the closure by as much time as possible.
He said: “This is extremely disappointing and frustrating. Why has it taken so long to determine the extent of the damage and work needed?
“Residents and businesses have been very patient but this news will test that severely.
“I have contacted Scottish Water seeking assurances that the road will be open over the Christmas period and asking what plans there are to extend the working hours to shorten the closure as much as possible.”
Scottish Water are also being asked if compensation will be paid out to affected businesses and if there is any scope for at least one carriageway to be opened before works are completed.
Diversions will remain in place along the B834, A809 and A811.
Ruaridh MacGregor, Scottish Water’s corporate affairs manager, said: “This project is taking longer than we had anticipated due to the complex nature of the work and the additional time required to enable us to incorporate crash barrier technology in the project, which is important in terms of reducing the impact of any future accident.
“We appreciate that the extension of the work, and the road traffic management required will cause inconvenience to customers, road users and businesses in the area.
“We apologise for this and we will do everything possible to minimise any disruption.
“We would like to remind the public that local traders and companies will remain open for business as usual while the road closure remains in place.”
Residents have been very patient but this news will test that severely