Dumfries and Galloway Council are carrying out improvement works to the ‘Three Road Ends’ in Dumfries, starting later this month.
The work will start on Monday 12 October, during the school holidays. Whilst this will cause disruption, the Council hope that by carrying out the improvement works in the school holiday period, that disruption is reduced for those travelling the route.
The purpose of the works is to replace the existing traffic lights at the Bankend Road/Glencaple Road/Nithbank junction.
The new traffic signals will be more efficient, as the equipment is designed to deal with varying scenarios of traffic flow, from free flowing traffic to when the junction is very congested. This is managed as the system sets up its own signal timings, so traffic flow will be easier and more consistent. This will be of particular significance when the Dumfries and Galloway Royal Infirmary moves location. During the works, the junction of Johnstone Park will also be improved to make the junction easier for pedestrians to navigate, which will be of particular benefit at peak times.
The improvement works are being undertaken as part of Dumfries and Galloway Council’s annual programme of the refurbishment of traffic lights. This work is undertaken to ensure that drivers, cyclists and pedestrians are kept safe due to having the most up to date technology in place at junctions throughout the region.
A Council spokeperson encouraged the public to be patient whilst the road works are carried out. He said;
“Our Council is committed to providing effective, efficient and most of all safe roads for our residents. Improvement works like the work being carried out at the 3 road ends helps us deliver on this commitment. We all know how frustrating it is when we are in the middle of a traffic jam and need to be somewhere in a hurry. I would ask anyone using the route to be patient during the road works. This work is essential and is being undertaken to improve the traffic congestion problem in the area. Whether you are driving to work, cycling to the university and college or taking the bus to a hospital appointment, please be understanding of the situation. Plan ahead and give yourself extra time to complete your journey. I am confident the new traffic signal equipment will ease congestion in the area long-term.”
The improvement works are due to start on 12 October and will last for 3 weeks. For the first 2 weeks (during the school holidays), there will be temporary traffic lights in operation. These will cause delays, but are essential for the safety of every individual using the route.
Signage has been erected on the route advising of the road works and notices will be placed in the press in advance of the works starting.
