Worries over work on Dunblane bridges
There have been concerns over traffic flow when roadworks begin on two bridges in Dunblane next week.
The Observer reported last Wednesday that Auchinlay Bridge, which carries the A9, and Allan Water Bridge - over which the B8033 is routed - are in line for a £690,000 repair job with work due to get underway on Monday.
Expansion joints – which have been in place since the bridges’ construction in 1990 – have deteriorated and will be replaced BEAR Scotland, as a contractor for Transport Scotland.
Work begins on the northbound carriageway with single lane traffic in each direction travelling on the southbound carriageway. Traffic management will remain in place until Wednesday, December 12.
Phase Two will repeat the process, with works on the southbound carriageway and traffic being switched to the northbound carriageway. This is expected to begin on Monday, January 14. But residents are now concerned about the flow of diverted traffic through the town.
Dunblane Community Council had a meeting with BEAR Scotland as well as ward councillors.
Community council chairman, David Prescott said: “Our concerns are potentially extra traffic, including heavy goods vehicles, passing through the town at peak periods, causing congestion and increasing the risk to local road users.
“The B8033 has changed considerably since it ceased to be the main through route with a lot more traffic, pedestrian and cycle crossings, including to and from nurseries. There is also school parking, especially along the dual carriageway section. And there will an impact on traffic flow to Marks and Spencer food hall.”
At the meeting with BEAR last Wednesday three action areas were discussed, including the introduction of a temporary weight restriction on the B8033 (Allan Water Bridge) through Dunblane for vehicles over 7.5 tonnes with only access permitted.
Stirling Council agreed to look at vegetation along the route and trim as required to ensure good visibility of signage for unfamiliar drivers and improve junction sight lines where necessary.
Two vehicle actuated speed signs were agreed to be put in place to slow traffic at critical points.
However, BEAR Scotland has now said that following a review, it has decided that restriction may be confusing to HGV drivers requiring access to Dunblane.
A BEAR Scotland spokesperson said: “Instead we’re assessing the provision of additional signage on the A9 to provide road users with information during the project and we will keep the community council informed of the proposals. We’ll continue to work with Stirling Council to mitigate any concerns regarding the local road network during the project.”
Traffic management systems will be set up this weekend.
“We have asked BEAR to reconsider their decision on the HGV weight limit but they have not done so,” he added. “It’s understood that Police Scotland will, when resourcing and demands allow, carry out high profile patrols and enforcement in Dunblane.”
“The advice about these A9 bridge works and consequent road restrictions was delivered much too late to have any chance of effective dialogue.”
Councillor Alasdair Tollemache said: “I welcomed a proposed weight restriction on the B8033 during the works, However, I’m now very disappointed this appears now not to be happening. I feel this is a mistake and may lead to large vehicles travelling through Dunblane and causing concern to residents. Why we were informed of this work so late in the day?”