A814 Helensburgh to Dumbarton Roadworks - May to September 2012

Scheme Details

Argyll and Bute Council proposes to carry out extensive road improvements on A814 between Helensburgh and Dumbarton this season. This will involve a combination of treatments to reconstruct the carriageway and improve the running surface durability and skid resistance. Associated works to repair kerbs and enhance road markings will improve sightlines and footway accessibility. This work, including clearing scrub and surface debris will be delivered in conjunction with the main re-construction works.

Timescales

The main stages of process are:

Stage 1 – Scrub clearance , drain cleaning , kerbing repairs April – May 2012

Stage 2 – Removal and reshaping of existing surfaces including structural patching June 2012

Stage 3 – Surface Dressing  - Westerhill Farm w/c 11th June 2012 ( delayed due to weather)

Stage 4 -  Final surfacing ( road closures)  -           

• Phase 1 Ardoch 2nd  - 6th July 2012
• Phase 2a Geilston 9th – 11th July 2012
• Phase 2b Moss rd  11th – 13th July 2012
• Phase 2c  Ardmore and Iona Stables  16th – 20th July 2012

Stage 5 – Cardross village reconstruction  - Sept – Oct 2012

Specification

The existing road surface has been subject to considerable deterioration in recent years due in part to major utility services installation works. This had led to deformation of the running surface and a considerable number of joints which have broken up through time. The aim is to replace the existing surface, in most cases like for like. Consideration has been given in the plans for this work, to the traffic volumes and speeds when specifying treatments. This will include a high proportion of Hot Rolled Asphalt surface course, which is considered to be the most economic treatment to give a robust, safe and durable treatment on this vital communication link. Other sections will be surfaced dressed, patched or have the High Friction surfacing replaced or repaired.

Traffic Management

Advance works to repair kerbs will commence under traffic light control in May. Works to partially remove the existing surface and re-shape the carriageway to drainage falls will be delivered from 28th May – 29th June.  This will be carried out under a 10mph convoy system, to allow safe passage past the workforce, as the carriageway is too narrow to allow the minimum safety zone for normal traffic use. There will be a one day operation to Surface Dress the Westerhill section, scheduled to be delivered on 7th June, also employing a convoy vehicle.

The final surfacing operation where Hot Roller Asphalt will be laid, requires equipment and operatives to work in the opposite lane. There is insufficient room to allow this work to proceed safely and efficiently whilst maintain traffic flows past the works. Only one of these operations can be achieved at one time, requiring the workforce to stand back whilst traffic moves past in single file. The resultant delays to both the delivery of the treatment and the journey times of road users are considered too great and could seriously affect the overall duration and quality of the finished works. On balance the diversion of traffic round the works is considered the most beneficial method of achieving our goal of delivering a lasting quality treatment to A814 for the benefit of the community as a whole for years to come.

For the above reasons the road will be CLOSED TO THROUGH TRAFFIC whilst the surfacing works are delivered on grounds of safety, quality and efficiency. Access to businesses and residences immediately adjacent to the closure will still be maintained.

A814 CLOSED TO THROUGH TRAFFIC access available to areas within closed sections

07:00 Mon 2nd July – 17:00 Fri 6th July Dumbarton - Cardross (Ardoch and Lee Brae works)

07:00 Mon 9th July – 17:00 Fri 13th July Cardross - Helensburgh (Geilston & Moss Rd)

07:00 Mon 16th July – 17:00 Fri 20th July Cardross - Helensburgh (Ardmore & Iona Stables)

Depending on the progress of works the access points to locations within the “closed to through traffic” sections will vary from day to day and signs will indicate the extent accessible from each end. The above durations and locations are there for our indicative programme.

The final stage of works in this area is to replace the surfacing through the whole of the A814 in Cardross between the speed limits. Due to the number of entrances, businesses and residences it will not be practicable to close the road to through traffic to deliver this treatment. The final surface layer specified for this project is more suitable for lower speed urban use. This will allow surfacing to be carried out safely by controlling the traffic past the workforce under convoy. This final operation is programmed for September 2012.

Diversion route, advance signing and access points

Advance signing including variable message signage will be situated on A82 from west of the Erskine Bridge exit indicating the possibility of delays on A814 during May and June and the closures to through traffic in July. Local signage in Dumbarton and Helensburgh will enhance this message and direct traffic to the diversion route.

Diversionary Route

West Bound:  A82 Dumbuck – A82 Arden – A818 Cross keys – Sinclair St. Helensburgh.

Access to Cardoss - week 1 closure via East King St and A814 Colgain.

East Bound: Sinclair St – A818 Cross Keys – A82 Arden – A814 Dumbuck to Westcliff

Access to Cardoss – week 2 & 3 via A814 Dumbarton

Map of diversions  route: 

• Diversion map and signs
• Public transport map

Business continuity arrangements

In an effort to minimise overall disruption to community activity and restrict the additional costs to the Council in out of hours material supply and labour costs, closures are proposed for weekdays in July. Business traffic in general will be reduced and schools are closed at this time. There will be little or no haulage to Cardross Sawmill during weeks 1 and 2. Businesses in the A814 corridor will be able to operate, as access will be maintained as described above by use of the diversion route and limited access from each end of any closure.

Bin collection

As part of our arrangements to maintain business continuity , refuse collection will be maintained throughout the period, however there may be some delays in daily collections depending on the access route.

Crematorium

A full service will be maintained during the whole of the surfacing programme. However journey times to and from the Crematorium will vary as the access direction changes and may also be subject to delay during the initial phases, depending on the length of queuing traffic. Contact arrangements have been made after a meeting with Churches and Undertakers to discuss measures to mitigate delays to corteges on route.

Bus Service

During the final surfacing works, it will not be practicable to allow any vehicles past the works as described above. Scheduled bus services will terminate at Westcliff, Dumbarton for the first week of the works. Services will terminate in Cardross for weeks 2 and 3 of diversions.

 A local free shuttle service, using Council minibuses from the end of each closure section will be provided to transport residents to the nearest railway stations at either end. Public transport by train is the alternative method of passing the works.

Contact Us

If you have any further concerns or require clarification on the operation of the traffic management proposals, diversion routes and access arrangements within the sections closed to through traffic, contact us at  enquiries@argyll-bute.co.uk