Transport Scotland have written to MSP Joan McAlpine with assurances on the safety and stability on the A76
The local MSP wrote to Roy Brannen – Transport Scotland’s Chief Executive – last month to raise concerns around safety issues about the stretch of road affected by landslip at Enterkinfoot between Thornhill and Sanquhar.
The MSP was responding to concerns voiced at a meeting of Sanquhar community council.
Transport Scotland revealed details of a permanent repair to the damaged section of the road at a public exhibition in Thornhill last month. The repairs involve a major realignment of the road which is likely to go ahead next year.
In his reply to Ms McAlpine, Mr Brannen confirmed that engineers are continuously monitoring the safety of the road, and are confident there will be no further movement before the road realignment commences next year.
He said:
“The matters raised in your letter were discussed at length at the public exhibition in May.
“Currently there is no known danger on the section of roadway however Transerv and geotechnical engineers are continuously monitoring this.
“The temporary traffic lights need to remain in place to prevent traffic running on the affected section of the road and help protect the integrity of the road.
“Please be assured that the importance of the A76 is recognised and we are working to deliver the road realignment as quickly as possible. A further stakeholder update will be provided later this year.”
Ms McAlpine commented:
“My constituents raised concerns about the safety of the A76 recently – which were completely justified particularly as children travel this route to school every day.
“I am reassured that there are geotechnical engineers continuously monitoring the stability of the road and are confident of its safety.
“Transerve and Transport Scotland have drawn up a programme for the construction of the new road which is welcome. Work is scheduled to begin in 2019/20 and I look forward to a more specific update later in the year.”
