As part of Transport Scotland’s strategic trunk road management programme, Scotland TranServ will combine a series of five essential A701 resurfacing schemes to reduce the impact of the works on affected communities and businesses near Dumfries.
Essential resurfacing of the A701 will follow strict physical distancing protocols in line with the Scottish Government’s COVID-19 guidance. In association with Transport Scotland, we have identified these projects as essential maintenance scheme, vital to maintaining the integrity and safety of the trunk road network.
The works will include:
- Resurfacing of 1.3km of A701 Ae Junction
- Resurfacing of 1.3km of the A701 Barony Junction
- Resurfacing of 1km A701 North of Jericho
- Resurfacing of 1.5km of A701 North of St Anns
- Resurfacing of 1.8km North of Amisfield
Jimmy McLean, Scotland TranServ’s Principal Network Design Engineer said:
“This is an important section of the trunk road network, and as such is used by emergency services, freight, retail and delivery traffic as part of their essential working. It is vital that we resurface this area in order to maintain road safety. Traffic volumes currently remain low, in line with government advice, and the programme can therefore be carried out safely and with minimal disruption.
“Many new working practices have been implemented across our own workforce and those of our contractors and suppliers as we work towards the future delivery of our Network Maintenance and other programmes. Thorough risk assessments have been carried out as we take a lead in the delivery of trunk road maintenance.
“Scotland TranServ and Transport Scotland would like to take this opportunity to thank drivers for making only essential journeys over the last couple of months, and for continuing to protect the country’s key workers.”
In order to deliver this essential resurfacing programme, it will be necessary to implement a full weekend closure of the A701, followed by two consecutive overnight closures. The traffic management will therefore be in place during the following times:
- A701 Ae Junction – Wednesday 1st and Thursday 2nd July from 7am to 7pm under daytime convoy
- A701 Barony Junction – Friday 3rd July from 7am to 7pm under daytime convoy
- A701 North of Amisfield – 7pm on Friday 3rd until 11pm on Sunday 5th July – Full weekend closure of A701 trunk road and overnight closure of A701 on Monday 6th, Tuesday 7th and Wednesday 8th of July from 7pm to 6am
- A701 North of Jericho Loch – within North of Amisfield overnight closure
- A701 North of St Ann’s – Monday 13th and Tuesday 14th of July under daytime convoy from 7am to 7pm
Drivers are advised to allow plenty of extra time for their journeys, to negotiate the diversion route. Special arrangements have been put in place for emergency service vehicles. No additional arrangements have been made for windfarm traffic. Motorists can find live trunk road information by visiting trafficscotland.org or by following @trafficscotland on Twitter.
Evan Ferguson, Scotland TranServ’s Design Manager added:
“An efficient and well-managed trunk road network is particularly important to supporting essential supply chains and the wider economy across South West Scotland at this time. Working in collaboration with Transport Scotland, we have identified a number of essential maintenance projects, which are being prioritised over the coming weeks.
“We fully recognise the importance of a safe and reliable trunk road network and where possible, Scotland TranServ is supporting Transport Scotland as they expect to invest £471million in maintenance in 2020/21. The health and safety of our workers and those working on our behalf, is of the utmost importance, and projects will only be taken forward where we can ensure their safety as a priority.”
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