Scotland TranServ, on behalf of Transport Scotland will begin construction of a new pedestrian crossing for Locharbriggs Village, outside Dumfries.
Following extensive consultation with the local community and elected members, construction will begin on the innovative new A701 crossing from Monday 12th June, and last for two weeks.
Vincent Tait, Scotland TranServ’s Strategic Road Safety Manager said:
“We’ve been in discussions with the local nursery school throughout the development of this innovative new crossing. It will shortly incorporate specialist Neatebox technology, allowing staff to operate the lights using a smart phone app, which will come in useful for busy teachers with lots of children on their hands.”
Work to install the new crossing will begin at 9.30am and last until 3.30pm each weekday, operating outside peak periods in order to minimise disruption to local commuters and businesses.
Resurfacing work will take place on Sunday 18th of June, during which time traffic will operate under a convoy management system. Closure of the Quarry Road junction will be necessary at these times, with local signed diversions in place. High Friction surfacing will be added during the weekdays that follow.
The crossing will be only the second on a Scottish trunk road to operate under the Bluetooth, Remote Lamp Control System (RLCS). Locharbriggs will also be only the second Scottish community to receive Neatebox technology on a trunk road crossing.
Vincent Tait continued:
“These innovative pedestrian crossing developments are helping to change the face of strategic road safety in the UK. Both Neatebox and RCLS are finalists in the country’s leading road awards, being held next week. By the time the Locharbriggs crossing is installed, it could feature two national award winners.”
This A701 strategic road safety project is one of a number of such schemes being scheduled by Scotland TranServ to deliver long-term benefits to local communities across South West Scotland on behalf of Transport Scotland.
Andy Fraser, Scotland TranServ’s Operating Company Representative added:
“Across South West Scotland, we’re working on behalf of Transport Scotland to deliver multiple road safety initiatives, working as quickly, efficiently and safely as possible. The A701 is an important economic artery for the region, with many communities and businesses using this main route into Dumfries. We have therefore scheduled this important road safety project to be delivered with maximum efficiency and minimal disruption.”
