The Courier & Advertiser (Fife Edition)
Motorists urged to plan their journeys as work gets under way
ROADS: Traffic management systems in place during improvements project
Motorists have been urged to take extra time after roadworks began in an Angus town yesterday.
The second phase of a project aimed at improving traffic flow around Arbroath’s Westway/A92 roundabout will last for eight weeks.
The works will include the installation of traffic signals at the Westway Retail Park, junction resurfacing, road marking and the formation of two lanes for the approach to the A92 Dundee Road roundabout.
Approximately 120m of the Westway will be resurfaced as part of the project.
The resurfacing will be carried out overnight between 7pm and 7am. Traffic lights will be in place during this time.
The second phase started yesterday with Tayside Contracts creating the temporary access road that will be used as a part of the traffic management system.
Thereafter, they will move on to installing ducts in the footway on the McDonald’s side of the Westway from the roundabout to the retail park junction.
Arbroath East and Lunan Conservative councillor Derek Wann suggested it was a case of short-term pain for long-term gain. He urged drivers to take extra time and plan ahead.
He said: “These works are essential in providing a safe crossing for pedestrians and need to be started.
“I can understand the frustration of drivers in hearing that there are to be more hold-ups as I myself use this road nearly daily.
“I would ask that you give yourself a bit more time on your journey.”
Traffic management for the works will be situated on Westway only – no traffic management will be in place on the A92/Westway roundabout.
This traffic management will not be in place around the clock as the majority of work will take place without the need for traffic lights.
A reduction in lane widths will allow most of the works to be carried out.
The first phase of the project resulted in lengthy delays and caused problems for residents in Arbirlot as many drivers used the village as a detour.
Drivers reported daily hold-ups of more than half an hour on approaches to the busy mini-roundabout beside the Westway retail park as the first phase got started.
Teatime queues stretched beyond the Elliot roundabout and on to the dual carriageway, and bus firm Stagecoach East Scotland was forced to apologise to customers over delays to services as far apart as Perth and Aberdeen.
“I can understand the frustration of drivers in hearing that there are to be more hold-ups as I myself use this road nearly daily. COUNCILLOR DEREK WANN