Safety concerns over Swallow roundabout

Matter of time before serious crash, say councillors

Councillors have claimed it’s “only a matter of time” before someone is seriously injured or killed at a major Dundee roundabout amid upgrade delays.

Improvements to the A90’s Swallow roundabout near Invergowrie have been delayed until next year, despite Perth and Dundee councils agreeing the work is desperately needed.

The large increase in traffic has been caused by the Western Gateway development, where around 600 houses have been built.

It adds to the large volume of traffic joining the Kingsway from the south and leaving Dundee towards Perth.

The company behind the development, Springfield Properties, wants to increase the number of lanes on the roundabout, which borders Perth and Kinross and Dundee council areas, as well as adding traffic lights.

Dundee Labour councillors Charlie Malone and Michael Marra say near misses are becoming more frequent.

Mr Malone said: “These near misses are now a daily occurrence. It feels that it is a matter of time before someone is seriously injured or worse.

“The speed of the traffic coming into Dundee from the Perth dual carriageway leaves very few opportunities for cars to exit from the western gateway road.

“With more and more traffic using that road as more houses are built, the problem is getting worse.”

Up to 1,300 homes could eventually be built in the area, centring around the new Dykes of Gray village.

Discussions over a new school are also ongoing.

Mr Marra said: “The delays in the planned upgrades to the roundabout have to come to an end.

“We have met the developers and council officers in recent months and have spoken to them again over the last few days.

“There have been hold-ups due to land ownership issues and progress has been slow.

“Springfield Homes want to get the situation sorted but it now looks like it will be early in the new year before the works commence.”

A spokesperson for Dundee City Council said: “We are aware of the issue at Swallow Hotel roundabout.

“We will continue to support Springfield Properties where possible.”

Springfield Properties central managing director, Peter Matthews, said: “We are working closely with Dundee City Council and Transport Scotland to improve the functionality of the Swallow roundabout.

“Springfield are currently in the process of refining these designs which, unfortunately, is taking slightly longer than anticipated.

“Once the designs are finalised, we will start work on the roundabout. This is likely to be the start of next year.”

Springfield Homes want to get the situation sorted but it now looks like it will be early in the new year before the works commence. MICHAEL MARRA

Picture: Gareth Jennings. Upgrade delays to the Swallow roundabout in Dundee, required due to a new housing development, have sparked safety fears as traffic has increased.