First phase of works to continue for three weeks

The first phase of a new £75,000 road safety project is underway on the A83 in Minard.

The project will involve teams installing approximately 190 metres of new footway between the northern end of Minard and the access to Crarae Garden. Works will also include the upgrading of road drainage systems, provision of new fencing, boundary walls and installing new road signs at this location. In addition, footway improvements will also be carried out within Minard village to provide better access.

The first phase of the project got underway today (Tuesday 8 February)  and is expected to take approximately three weeks to complete. This phase will involve clearing the area of trees/vegetation and installing a new boundary wall in advance of the main works that are due to take place in phase two.

To ensure the safety of roadworkers and road users, temporary traffic lights and a 30mph speed limit will be in place during the first phase of the works. Traffic lights will be required to be red at either side of the worksite during short periods at certain points of the project to allow teams to conduct work safely.  Temporary pedestrian routing will also be implemented to maintain safe access through the site.

The second phase will involve teams installing the footway and other associated works. This phase is anticipated to commence shortly afterwards and is expected to take approximately six weeks to complete. Further information relating to this phase will be shared closer to the time of the works getting underway.

BEAR Scotland has engaged with all relevant stakeholders to inform them of the project and share information about the traffic management arrangements that will be in place to facilitate its construction.

Eddie Ross, BEAR Scotland’s North West Representative, said: “Trunk Road safety is paramount at BEAR Scotland and this investment from Transport Scotland will improve pedestrian access and connectivity on the A83 between Minard and Crarae Garden.

“The traffic management required to undertake the first phase of works is essential to keep everyone safe, so we encourage all road users to follow any signs or temporary arrangements that are put in place.

“The second phase of this project is anticipated to begin in early Spring over a six-week period. We’ll share full details of timings and traffic management arrangements closer to the time of the works getting underway.

“We would like to thank road users in advance for their patience during this project and advise them to plan ahead by checking Traffic Scotland for up to date journey information and leave some extra time to reach their destination.”

Real time journey information is available from Traffic Scotland on www.trafficscotland.org or twitter @trafficscotland.