Road closed for more than two months for jail work
A major road closure related to redevelopment works for Cornton Vale Prison is expected to last for more than two months.
Residents in Forth Park housing estate, near Cornton Road level crossing and the prison, say they were shocked when a sign appeared at the road on Friday indicating the route was closing on the Stirling side of the crossing from Monday July 13 for 10 weeks.
One local said when he raised it with his neighbours they were unaware of it, with one suggesting she had been told it was flagged up on a Facebook site.
Ian Whyte added:“As you can imagine a closure of the road at this location will cause undue disturbance and inconvenience to many people resident in the vicinity of the Cornton Road and the fact that it appears to have been sprung on us at short notice adds insult to injury.
“It would also be interesting to learn why a contra-flow system to allow traffic to continue to travel along this section of Cornton Road can’t be provided.”
A Stirling Council spokesperson said the road closure had been advertised via the usual channels.
They added:“To allow footpath, cabling and street lighting upgrades at the new Cornton Vale Prison to be carried out by the contractor, a partial road closure has been implemented on
Cornton Road as it is the safest method to manage traffic while the work is undertaken.
“The use of temporary traffic lights or a contraflow at this location was ruled out, due to its proximity with the railway line level crossing and the possibility of conflict between queuing vehicles and trains using the line.
“Whilst we understand how frustrating a road closure can be, public safety is paramount and a diversion route is in place to minimise any inconvenience for those motorists that require it.”
The allternative route for cars and LGVs is via Cornton Road, Fountain Road, Henderson Street, Airthrey Road, Causewayhead Road and Cornton Road, while HGVs are being diverted via Henderson Street, Airthrey Road, A907 Alloa Road, A91, A905, Broadleys Roundabout, Kerse Road, Craigs Roundabout, Burghmuir Road.