By Lucy Ashton
Scottish Power Energy Networks was set to install a new high-voltage electricity cable and substation on the A82 Dumbarton Road at Milton Brae between Monday, June 10 and Thursday, June 13.
However, drivers heading for their work and emergency vehicles, including ambulances heading via the Erskine Bridge to and from the Royal Alexandra Hospital in Paisley faced totally unacceptable disruption due to a lane being closed on the dual carriageway.
Following a public outcry, hindsight has led to the roadworks being reviewed and rescheduled to a later date.
A spokesperson for SP Energy Networks said: “We’re sorry for any disruption these works have caused and have taken immediate action in response to the issues experienced by drivers over the last 24 hours.
“We will review the traffic management plans that had been agreed with Amey and West Dunbartonshire Coluncil to come up with an appropriate alternative at a later date.”
SP Energy Networks was set to install a new high voltage electricity cable and substation, see picture above, on the A82 Glasgow-Loch Lomondside at Milton Brae between Monday 10-Thursday 13 June.
The electricity network provider has carefully planned the works in conjunction with the local council to keep any disruption to a minimum.
However, in an effort to ensure the programme could be completed safely and on schedule, temporary traffic restrictions were put in place for the duration of the works, including lane closures on the A82.
This meant delays were likely and journey times would be longer during this time, they said.
Albert Santandreu, SP Energy Networks’ Head of Delivery said: “These works will ensure we continue to support the move to cleaner and greener transport and travel across the region.
“We will be pulling out all the stops, in conjunction with our contractor Spratt Multi Utility, to safely complete the works as quickly as possible, but we do need to ensure sufficient time for the likes of the drying and curing of tar – once the works are complete – before the lanes can be reopened.
“We fully recognise that the location of the works – along a busy commuter route – will cause some disruption and inconvenience. We’re sorry for any disruption and thank people in advance for their patience and cooperation in allowing extra time for their journeys.”
Instead of “pulling out all stops” the contractors have been forced to pack up the hundreds of traffic cones that were placed on the not fit for purpose temporary routes which saw Dumbarton-bound traffic traffic being diverted up country and forced to travel via Balloch and Loch Lomondside.
The Erskine Bridge where traffic was held up to the consternation and fury of thousands of frustrated motorists.