New roundabout 'accident waiting to happen' - claim

Ally McGilvray • Published 8 Feb 2012 09:30 3 Comments

ROADWORKS in Galashiels are continuing to drive motorists round the bend.

And, this week, community councillors heard the disruption was set to continue for more weeks to come.

It followed a report that the multi-million pound Galashiels Inner Relief Road project has been delayed following a change to the design of a wall at High Buckholmside which, it was claimed, has still to be approved by Transport Scotland.

Scottish Borders Council has confirmed it is driving ahead with plans to reopen Ladhope Vale and Bridge Place in Galashiels to two-way traffic by the beginning of March.

Community councillor Ian Purvis said: "The people of Galashiels have been more than patient with these works but their patience is wearing thin, which is understandable."

Fears have been voiced that the new roundabout at Stirling Place in Galashiels was an accident waiting to happen. Community councillors heard a lack of visible warning signs had led to a number of near misses at the redesigned junction.

And concerns were also expressed that motorists who missed the turn off were opting to bypass the town centre in all the confusion.

Ewan Doyle, Programme Manager at Scottish Borders Council, said: "Following the change to the access routes to the centre of town, which is now from the new roundabout at Stirling Place, additional signs have been erected on Ladhope Vale to highlight the route into the centre of Galashiels.

"A specific sign has been erected at the new roundabout to highlight that access to Channel Street is via this new route.

"Scottish Borders Council believe that the traffic management provisions for the works and the opening of Stirling Street two-way are now working well and we would like to thank the public for their continued patience and their considered driving over the last few weeks."

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This article appeared in Border Telegraph 08 Feb 12

Have your say. Post a comment on this article.

• 

  sandy53
  Unregistered User
  Feb 8, 16:40
  Report comment

  i must agree i totally missed this roundabout one evening when it was dark
  
  Recommend?   Yes 6     No 0

• 

  selkirkyesterday
  Unregistered User
  Feb 8, 17:02
  Report comment

  looks like there is going to be more traffic congestion due to this thoughtless act.you have got to wonder where the multi millions are going this is sheer madness.
  
  Recommend?   Yes 3     No 0

• 

  wull
  Unregistered User
  Feb 24, 20:35
  Report comment

  Didnt you see the traffic signs telling you of the impending roundabout sandy53, or are you one of the drivers that forget to put lights on before driving off....
  
  Recommend?   Yes 1     No 0

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