Underpass is closed for repairs
Stirling’s busiest underpass has been partially closed for maintenance just a few weeks after a local businessman’s luxury car was damaged.
At the end of June Frank Taylor, managing director of the Indigo Sun tanning salon chain, was driving his Porsche 911 through the Burghmuir Road tunnel when concrete lying on the road caused £7000 worth of damage to the car.
After returning to the spot and photographing apparent damage to the roof of the underpass he then called for the route to be closed for safety measures to be put in place, saying it could only be a matter of time before a driver was killed by falling debris.
He told the Observer he would be avoiding the underpass, which sits below Stirling Railway Station, until something was done, adding that the damage to his car was irrelevant in comparison with the potential danger to life and limb.
At the time a Stirling Council spokesperson said:“the Goosecroft underpass is owned and maintained by the council, and the structure is regularly inspected by an engineer to ensure public safety. During inspections the surface is checked and any loose material is removed.
“Following this complaint, an officer from the local authority’s Bridges Team checked the underpass and found no fallen concrete but further investigations will be conducted.”
However, on Sunday, July 19, the council announced that maintenance work on the underpass would see the closure of the A9 Burghmuir Road yesterday (Tuesday) from 6-11pm southbound, and today (Wednesday) between the same times northbound, with a diversion in place via the B8052/ Goosecroft Road and Cowane Street.
Mr Taylor, who is managing director of Indigo Sun tanning salons, told the Observer:“i was happy to see they are fixing the roof of the tunnel and look forward to taking the direct route to work.
“The reason I was made aware of the roof falling apart was due to the water ingress when it was raining up above and leaking into the tunnel.
“I hope they can confirm the leakage will be dealt with as well as the concrete lining of the roof. This can be checked on the first rainy day after the repairs.
“I look forward to hearing about the extent of the repairs.”
Stirling Council said this week, however, denied that the work taking place had anything to do with Mr Taylor’s complaint or any other.
A Stirling Council spokesperson said: “The road closures at the Stirling station underpass this week will allow routine maintenance work to take place, including the removal of any loose material from the surfaces of the structure, and are not related to any complaint or subsequent investigation.”