Roadworks "Won't Bring Delays"

Published 10 Mar 2010 14:59 0 Comments

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Major roadworks in New Cumnock and Mauchline won't cause huge delays to commuters insists Amey's Roads Manager.

And the first phase of the £2million improvement to the A76 gets underway at New Cumnock this Monday (March 15).

The "significant investment project", designed by A76 trunk road managers Amey, will see over half a mile of resurfacing, drainage improvements and better parking. The works will be delivered in two phases lasting a total of 12 weeks.

This first phase is located north of New Cumnock Primary School to Glen Afton's Loch Park, and focuses on over 600m of the trunk road. It will tie in to the road upgrade works delivered in 2006 scheme and stretches north to Nith Bridge.

Duncan MacColl, Amey Roads Manager told the Chronicle: "Waiting in traffic certainly won't get to the 20 minutes stage but the road will get busy during peak times. We're looking to keep the disruption for road users and pedestrians to an absolute minimum."

Transport Scotland has appointed Luddon Construction Ltd as their engineering contractor who will operate temporary traffic signals and a convoy system to help keep traffic on the move. The lights will be in operation 24/7 but working will be limited to 7pm to 7pm Monday to Friday and 8am to 1pm on Saturdays to avoid noisy operations during the night. No works will take place on Sundays. The final phase of roadworks should be complete by Autumn.

The A76 Mauchline road works will take place during the summer holidays lasting for 10 weeks, and one weekend which will see the Cross closed off.

Large scale consultations between SPT, Stagecoach, police and fire services, East Ayrshire Council, residents and local businesses aim to reduce disruption during the necessary works.

Residents will be given 24 hours notice before any road works so they can move their cars in and out of driveways. Works start at the south of the village on June 28 lasting for five weeks, a further five weeks in the north, and finally at the Cross.

And to minimise frustration for drivers EAC will also carry out works during the road closure in Mauchline. John Bryson, Head of Roads and Transportation said: "The Council has been working closely with Amey and has reached an agreement that while the road through Mauchline is closed essential resurfacing work will be carried out by the Council from the Cross to Barskimming Road. By taking this joined up approach the Council is reducing disruption to motorists and will also reduce costs by not having to apply for road closures at a separate time."

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