Road Issues - including update on A83
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Minutes:
There was no
representative from Roads at the meeting.
However, Stewart Clark had provided the following update for the group.
A meeting has taken place with Transport
It was suggested that members of the group should be aware that trunking the road in this manner means that the road from the pier through the town will no longer be under Council control and that there were implications to this.
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Road Issues - including update on A83
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Minutes:
Julian Green advised that he was attending on
behalf of the Roads Performance Manager and tabled a Roads Update report. He
updated the group on previous issues which had been raised:-
Moss Road - A
survey had been arranged. He requested that Jim Martin provide the detail
of the 'bad corner' that he had previously alluded to.
Stewart Road - removal of wall was a
decision undertaken by the land-owner.
Parking in Tayinloan
- a meeting had been arranged on 31 October for further discussion on this
issue.
He reported on work being undertaken by SSE at Crossaig. SSE were
being pro-active in endeavouring to evaluate the amount of material being
delivered to the site and were trying to
ensure that no vehicles over 7.5 tonnes would be utilised.
Councillor Currie raised concerns on road issues in the Carradale area. Julian Green stated that he would
review these and update accordingly.
Further discussion ensued in regards the latest landslip at
the Rest and Be Thankful and the survey which was undertaken in 2005 which
identified further tranches of remedial work necessary. A further issue
raise was the lack of information on public transport at the time of the
landslip which the Chair undertook to investigate.
Decision
That a letter would be written to the Transport Minister on
behalf of the KIWG referring to the 2005 survey and requesting that the
tranches of work identified to be the most at risk areas be finalised.
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Road Issues
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Minutes:
Reports updating the group on both the Roads
Reconstruction Capital Programme in Kintyre and Transport
Discussion continued in regards Argyll and Bute Council
undertaking remedial work on the A83 to bring it up to the required standard
before transfer to Trunk road status. Negotiations were ongoing and
this issue would be considered at the full Council meeting in
September. The issue of possible savings by Argyll and
Bute Council after the transfer was queried. Councillor Semple replied
that there would not be any savings made; as grants received from the
Scottish Government were based on linear metreage on local roads and it would
still be necessary to ensure that the Scottish Government undertook their
legislative commitments on these roads.
Concerns were highlighted on the following road
issues:
1. Moss
Road – cars speeding around a bad corner.
2.
3. Parking
in Tayinloan - releasing of ACHA land
4. Possibility
of segregation on A83 Trunk Road to accommodate cyclists and
walkers.
Decision
The group agreed:
1.
That the Roads Performance Manager would be requested to undertake
a technical appraisal of issues 1 and 2 above
and be requested to attend the next KIWG meeting in October with
updates.
2.
That a letter would be
drafted to ACHA in regards the car parking issue in Tayinloan with a request to
release land to alleviate the parking problem.
3.
That the Head of Economic Development and Strategic Transportation
would be asked to look at what opportunities there are for cyclists and report back
to the Group with this information.
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Minutes:
The Chair advised
the group that the Roads Performance Manager had been unable to attend the
meeting. However a report was tabled updating the group on the Roads
Capital Budget.
Discussion
followed in regards recent road closures on the A83 and both the Chair and Councillor Semple
advised that negotiations had been undertaken with the contractor to ensure
that the road remained open as much as possible.
The Chair
informed the group that BEAR had been invited to the next MAKI Area Committee
in August. He requested that any issues on the A83 be forwarded to
himself or Theresa McLetchie. A report was
being compiled which would be forwarded to BEAR prior to the Area Committee.
Councillor
Currie highlighted the prudence of undertaking grass cutting on single-track
road verges, prior to cuts on major roads to avert danger to road users by this
obstruction. Councillor Semple reiterated that
if anyone had any issues in this regards, then they should be identified and reported
to Roads Department.
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Road Issues
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Minutes:
Stewart Clark tabled a report providing an
update on local roads issues. He advised the group that the additional
Capital Funding would be given further discussion at the forthcoming MAKI
Business Day on 1 May. He advised on a proposal for a Traffic
Management survey in Campbeltown Town Centre.
Concerns on local roads were highlighted and
these included:-
Excavation works by Scottish Water at Southend
School Road, Tarbert
Drum
Moss Road
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Road Issues
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Minutes:
Update disseminated to attendees in email.
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Minutes:
Stewart Clarke spoke to the attached Report which was tabled.
He noted that:-
Setting Local Speed limits is an on-going process . - All Argyll and
Bute roads have been assessed. There will be an
impact be on the A 83 where there are recommendations to reduce speed in
a couple of places (Cumlodden and Adrishaig
The next stage of the process is
to look at all villages and settlements.
The Chair noted that this program needs to be a real road safety
initiative not just a “catch out the driver”.
Stewart Clark noted that aspects of the process will require to be consulted on, so consultation
responses are vital to ensure an appropriate positive outcome. Stewart
highlighted that this is a centrally controlled initiative and has not been
instigated by the council. The speed assessments are based on the type of the
road and take account of environmental factors
Stewart Agreed provide the dates of the consultation to the group once
known.
He also noted that this year’s capital program included an allocation for
the Kintyre Way crossing on the A83.
Rest and Be Thankful- Stewart noted that current works are progressing and that there is a task force meeting today
Cllr Donald Kelly noted that he understood that that Scottish Government are likely to continue with the drainage and netting
programmes currently in place, and will
leave something in the budgets to allow
for fast responses to clear sludge after landslips; but that there will be no allocation for
further capital works. Cllr Kelly noted he had been advised that while they
will look at pinch points the money is not there for a new road.
A discussion about the forestry
and military roads both being upgraded
took place, but this is thought to be unlikely
Alan Reid stated that he hoped that
this picture was incorrect,
Cllr Kelly noted that the Transport minister is to make announcements
today (Friday 14th Dec) Cllr
Kelly also noted that he had been advised that if the council were to bring
the section of the A83 between Kennacraig and Campbeltown up to
standard then it could be be considered for adoption as a trunk road.
Alan Ried asked how much it would cost to bring the A 83 up to this standard,
Doanld agreed to pass letter from minister
Cllr Colville left the meeting
at 11.00 and passed the Chair to Jim Martin as Vice Chair
Cllr Kelly asked when the White
lining between Stewarton and Campbeltown
will be done
Stuart Green noted that a road accident prevention scheme is underway
presently on that stretch of road and the bollards are also being done. White lining has been reported to be an
issue. The Chair asked that the white lines be done when the road is resurfaced.
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Additional documents:
Minutes:
Andrew Anderson and Phil Hinchliff,
Transport Scotland, provided an update to the group in regards the status
of works on the Emergency Diversionary Route (EDR) for the A83:-
A recent Taskforce meeting held on 15 October.
There was still no agreement with the
landowner - however, a further meeting was scheduled for later that
day when it was hoped that this would be obtained.
Test drive undertaken by a Peter McKerral's lorry - this had been successful and a further
trial run was planned with a loaded lorry.
Buses - they did not envisage any difficulties
with larger vehicles. West Coast Motors had been offered opportunity to
undertake a trial run on the route.
Erines bends - issues
were being reviewed and this would be discussed by Jacobs study. A draft
of this report would be taken to the next Taskforce meeting in November.
Pauline Houston reported on behalf of Jamie McGrigor, MSP and advised the group of a recent letter he
had written to the Scottish Transport Minister and 2 further Parliamentary
questions submitted in regards the amount the Scottish Government planned to
invest in the A83 and plans for the diversionary route.
The Group were advised that the works scheduled
to take place at Tarbert had been postponed and would
now occur in March 2013. It was also
agreed that Transport Scotland would refer the area along Loch Lomond to their
Landscape Advisor to look into the possibility of opening up the views of the
Loch.
Action:
Transport Scotland to investigate the possibility of opening up views
across Loch Lomond and report back to the Group.
Thereafter, Stewart Clark spoke to his report
which was contained within the Agenda pack. He advised on the Safety
Audit and Traffic Management review in Campbeltown
Town Centre. Susan Paterson raised concerns in regards to crossing points
and dropped kerbs and detailed problems encountered by visually impaired
residents. She advised that these issues were being reviewed by the
Sensory team.
The Chair stated his own concerns and
highlighted the speed of traffic at the new junctions in the Town Centre.
Action: Stewart Clark would have a further
discussion with Susan Paterson following the meeting in order that he could
feed the concerns raised into the Safety Audit.
John Bakes reiterated his concerns at
walkers on the Kintyre Way crossing at Tayinloan
and requested the possibility of coloured tarmac being implemented at
this point. Stewart Clark reported that this was being reviewed at
present although no date had been set.
He agreed to report back on this issue to a future meeting.
Action:
Stewart Clark to report back on plans for the crossing at Tayinloan.
Jane Mayo detailed large potholes on the Carradale Road and the potential for an accident being
caused due to these potholes being masked by flood water running off the
adjoining field.
Deirdre Henderson raised the issue of double
yellow lines at the recycling point at the co-op, she suggested that single
lines here would be more appropriate.
Stewart Clark agreed to look at these points and
advised the group of a forthcoming accident prevention scheme being undertaken
between Kennacraig and Campbeltown
with the implementation of reflector lights. These would
be put in place during 2013.
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ROAD ISSUES
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Minutes:
Andrew
Anderson, Transport Scotland updated the group on recent drainage
improvement work being undertaken at the Rest and Be Thankful. However,
the water flow was unpredictable and caused difficulties.
He advised on the instrumentation on the hillside which measured water levels
and slope movement, providing real time information. The contractor who
was involved in the installation of netting in strategic areas had been delayed
due to recent landslips. There was also an additional problem
caused in part due to the depth of the netting supports.
Andrew
advised on the investigation of the Emergency Diversionary Route (EDR).
Various routed had been explored and the old Military Road was proving to be
the most favourable, as opposed to the Forestry Road which would require major
work. However, they would need permission from the landowner to continue
work on the old Military Road.
He
reported on the recent Stakeholders meeting held in Inveraray to determine
solutions to this ongoing problem. Jacobs were conducting the study of
the A83 which was expected to complete by the end of October and then would be
presented to the Taskforce group for consideration and review.
The Chair
detailed the problems faced by local businesses and detailed the instance of
transporting livestock and encountering delays on the A83. This was
having a detrimental impact on the local economy and Islay was in the same
predicament.
Councillor
Semple stated the development of an Economic Development Plan and that, at
present, businesses were experiencing a 20% drop due to road closures and
adverse publicity. He stressed the need to counteract this damage to the
local economy and it was now imperative to review ferry connections and
alternative travel. He put forward the suggestion of utilising both the
Forestry Road and the Old Military Road.
Councillor
Kelly reiterated that the problems on the A83 were a continuing bone of
contention and the need for a permanent solution. He questioned why the
stretch between Kennacraig and Campbeltown were not being included in the
review and the requirement for a properly managed Capital Programme.
Discussion
continued in regards delays in patient transportation and the length of time it
would take in utilising a convoy system on the EDR. Andrew Anderson
advised that it would take approximately 40 minutes to traverse the Old
Military Road and that there were no plans to include the
Kennacraig-Campbeltown stretch.
Jamie
McGrigor reported that he had written to Keith Brown in regards the 'pinch
points on the A83'. He detailed a previous study which had been
undertaken and had raised the question in his letter where this funding
had gone.
Jim
Martin raises the issue of RET being stopped for freight. Jamie McGrigor
was aware of this in that the rules had been changed over freight vehicle
lengths.
Action: A
letter would be sent on behalf of the KIWG to Keith Brown requesting an
explanation on the cessation of the RET for freight vehicles.
Action: A letter would be sent to Keith Brown
regarding the points raised at the meeting in relation to the A83
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ROAD ISSUES
A report by Stewart Clark, Contracts Manager.
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Minutes:
Stewart Clark distributed a 4-weekly works
programme detailing various projects in the Campbeltown
area. He reported that:-
New Quay would be completed in the Autumn
Park Square would be completed mid-July
Muasdale would be
completed in August
The transportation of the wind turbines would
commence early September. The Chair enquired if there had been adequate
public consultation given to alert communities to this traffic movement.
Stewart confirmed that sufficient information had been disseminated.
Action: Stewart Clark would bring more
information on the proposed traffic flow to the next KIWG meeting in August.
Stewart reported that a letter had been sent to
all the Community Councils detailing on the grass cutting programme.
However, he advised that the timetable may change as cutting was
now necessary on the A83.
The Chair enquired if it was feasible to utilise
the residue from the scrub cutting for composting. He reported on
other authorities who undertook this procedure to produce chippings.
Action: Stewart Clark agreed to investigate the
viability of this and report back to the next meeting.
Stewart continued to speak to the group on the
work programme and detailed the procedure which the local
inspector reviewed additional work for inclusion onto the programme.
The programme was liable to change if weather conditions/resources vetoed work
streams. However, it was normal for targets to be achieved. The
Kintyre work force amounted to 8 men in total. But, if necessary,
additional resources could be brought in from Mid-Argyll to ensure targets were
met and vice versa.
The Chair enquired on the following:
Verge cutting - previously it had been the case
that 6 cuts were performed each year. However, on the approaches to Campbeltown the verges were unsightly and he queried the
current timetable and determination of the boundary.
Stewart replied that this was tasked to Amenity
Services and he was unaware of any changes to the
programme. He would investigate where the exact boundary lay but
his initial thought was that this would be at the 30mph signs.
Muasdale – The Chair enquired
whether this area was scheduled for resurfacing following work currently taking
place on the bend. Stewart understood
that the complete road area could be resurfaced but would check the position and
report back.
Achnafad - rutting on the
road surface 6 inches from the verge. The road had recently been
re-surfaced, but large pot-hole has appeared with ingress of water.
Stewart reported that the area had been patched,
but would investigate the issue.
Other issues were reported by group
members. These included:-
Dunaverty Road - repairs
were badly required beyond this area.
Clachan - hedges badly in need of cutting
Killean - potholes in
need of repair
Moss Road - in need of repair
High Askomil – potholes
The Chair urged the attendees not to wait for the
meeting to report these but to contact the Council directly.
Stewart replied that in regards Moss Road, the
system which was undertaken to prioritise road works took into account:-
Engineering needs
Road importance
Moss Road featured low on the priority list, but
discussion would take place in the formulating of the new Asset Management
Plan. Taking into account the movement of turbines, airport
passenger access and golf parties playing on the 2 prominent
golf courses, all of which would use Moss Road.
Jim Martin raised the severe lack of car
parking in Campbeltown Town Centre. The Chair
reiterated concern on this serious issue which needed be addressed.
Action: Stewart Clark would relay this to the
Design Team.
Councillor Horn raised the issue of the
difficulties experienced by motorists exiting from Carrick Cemetery onto
the A83. She suggested that signage could be erected to highlight the
concealed entrance. She reported that the white lining at Kennacraig causeway had still not been replenished.
Stewart Clark replied that the issue had been
raised with both TranServ and Calmac.
Argyll and Bute council had offered to undertake the work if payment was
agreed. Councillor Horn stated that Fay Harris (Calmac)
had assured her that this had been sanctioned.
Councillor Horn reported on the bus bay at Harbour
Street, Tarbert and queried how to address the problem
of cars parking within the bay. Stewart Clark replied that he had a new
location in mind for the bay but that plans would need to be worked up and put
out for consultation before this could be moved.
Alan Reid raised the issue of the threatened
landslide on the A83 due to the recent heavy rain and the proposed new 'relief
road'. The change to the previous proposal, in his view, was detrimental due in part to
the steep incline and he felt that in the eventuality of a landslide,
debris would fall directly onto the new relief road. He suggested
that a letter be written on behalf of the KIWG to the Scottish Minister urging him
to progress with the development of the forestry track that had been promised
and inviting him to attend the next meeting to address the concerns of the community.
The Chair informed the group of a motion which
he had submitted to the Council in which he was urging the establishment of a
joint working group to pull together the recommendations from an action plan published
4 years ago which remained outstanding. In
response to this Councillor Horn stated that the reason that this had not been
taken was that the Council were involved in ongoing dialogue with the Scottish
Government through with the Lead Councillor. She felt it remiss if the KIWG
thought the Scottish Government were not working on a resolution to this
serious issue and highlighted that safety must be paramount.
Further discussion ensued amongst the group and it was agreed that a letter be drafted detailing the concerns of the KIWG on the need to implement solution to the closures of the A83. As the Chair wished to represent the concerns that had been raised both at the meeting and locally as to the general frustrations within the ... view the full minutes text for item 5
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ROAD ISSUES
A report by Stewart Clark, Contracts Manager.
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Minutes:
Stewart Clark updated the group on recent and forthcoming road works in the Kintyre area. These included:-
A83 - Kennacraig – Clachan
Kilmahoe
Achnafad
Stewart reported on a new process which they had undertaken at Stewarton. John Bakes commended the procedure and resulting road finish.
Stewart Clark advised that the works at New Quay were on track and the programme was due to complete in October. He advised on the proposed road widening at Muasdale. Argyll and Bute Council had allocated half a million pounds for this project.
Susan Paterson questioned the programme which the Roads department had in place to undertake work on local roads. She reiterated that to encourage tourism to the area, both main roads and rural roads needed to be vastly improved. Stewart Clark replied that Argyll and Bute council were very conscious of this issue.
Action: Stewart Clark would bring a sample 4-week roads revenue programme to the next KIWG meeting.
John Bakes enquired if Argyll and Bute council still undertook spraying in areas where Japanese knotwood was prevalent. Stewart Clark replied that they still carried out spraying on road verges. However, problems could arise if the Japanese knotwood was on private land, since this is the responsibility of the landowner.
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