A898 Erskine Bridge safety barrier works begin

22 August 2013

The main phase of a multi-million pound investment by Transport Scotland to replace the vehicle safety barriers on the Erskine Bridge is due to commence on Saturday 14 September and last for approximately 10 months.

The project which is being carried out by Highway Barrier Solutions (HBS), on behalf of Scotland TranServ, is a more complex operation which involves additional traffic management measures.

In preparation for the works and over the first weekend (14 and 15 September) traffic will follow a two way, single lane system to allow the installation of a temporary barrier. Delays of between 45 and 60 minutes are expected during this time.

The main phase of the works, which will commence on Monday 16 September, will require traffic to travel in a single lane in each direction over the bridge, with the temporary barrier system providing protection to the road workers and motorists alike. Delays are then expected to be reduced to around 30 minutes during peak times.

On the south side of the bridge the A726 to A898 northbound on slip from the Spectacle Roundabout will be closed to vehicles except buses, works traffic and emergency vehicles.

Russell Rennie, contract director for Scotland TranServ commented:

“This is a vital project to upgrade the Erskine Bridge and ensure the safety of motorists travelling across the Erskine Bridge for years to come.

“Although preparatory works have been carried out to help reduce the disruption, delays are inevitable. We urge motorists to plan ahead and allow extra time for their journeys by visiting Traffic Scotland’s website or following @TrafficScotland on Twitter.”

The project will see the vehicle safety barriers being replaced over the entire length of the structure. A speed limit of 40mph will be implemented which will increase to 50mph upon completion of the project; bringing it into line with other major bridges in the UK.

Advanced warning signs will be placed on the approach to the works to ensure motorists are aware of the traffic management measures. Recovery vehicles will also be positioned at each end of the bridge providing 24/7, free and quick assistance if required.

Diversion Routes:

• All motorway traffic will be diverted via the A726 to M898 southbound on slip then onwards to the M8 westbound to Junction 31 (Westferry) before returning eastbound.
• All non-motorway traffic should follow the diversion to the Clyde Tunnel before returning on the A82 westbound. On the north side, newly installed traffic lights on the A82/A898 on-slips will be in operation.

Further information:

Frequently asked questions - A898 Erskine Bridge FAQs

Information leaflet (updated January 2014) - Erskine Bridge A5 Leaflet

Working in partnership to improve journey times on Scotland’s roads

1 August 2013

South west Scotland’s emergency services and trunk roads maintenance teams came together today to host a live demonstration of partnership working at Kilwinning Community Fire Station, North Ayrshire.

Scottish Fire and Rescue, Police Scotland, Scottish Ambulance Service and Scotland TranServ, who manage and maintain south west Scotland’s trunk road routes on behalf of Transport Scotland, hosted the event which seen a road traffic incident being brought to life at a purpose built, crash training facility within the station.

The event involved creating an exhilarating scenario where teams arrived at the scene of a simulated road accident and demonstrated how emergency services react; from removing the roof of the vehicle to ‘rescue’ trapped passengers through to ensuring a rapid clear up to open the road for motorists.

Mark Gallacher, Station Commander at Kilwinning Community Fire Station commented:

“When time is of the essence, the speed and effectiveness of our operations can be a matter of life or death. It is vital that we work together with the other emergency services to improve our approach to dealing with road traffic incidents across the network.

“This event was a fantastic opportunity for the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service and our partners to come together and demonstrate the benefits to working in collaboration; helping to improve the safety of Scotland’s roads for years to come.”

Scotland TranServ highlighted their bid to improve journey times using ‘Fuel Safe’ - a pioneering solution which instantly evaporates fuel, diesel, oil and solvent spillages on the road surface; almost halving the time required to clear up road traffic accidents by removing the need for specialist equipment.

Emergency teams and Scotland TranServ’s Incident Support Units (ISUs) showcased their approach to working collaboratively to improve safety and ensure reliable journey times on south west Scotland’s roads. A full debrief session also highlighted areas in which the partners could improve their partnership working going forward.

Drew Robertson, Area Inspector for Road Policing, Police Scotland commented:

“This was an exciting event which gave Police Scotland an insight into the operating practices of partnering agencies, an opportunity to raise questions and formulate best practice.

“Our constables benefited tremendously from coming together and opening the channels of communication with wider agencies.”

The demonstration was a prime opportunity for Scotland TranServ’s Incident Support Unit (ISU) to engage with the teams that they work alongside day in, day out on south west Scotland’s roads. Responding to over 1,500 incidents, including serious road traffic accidents and fuel spillages on the network since the 1 April 2013, the operatives are highly experienced in working with the emergency services.

Russell Rennie, Contract Director for Scotland TranServ said:

“This proved to be an excellent platform for Scotland TranServ to build and strengthen our relationships and learn how we can work better together to not only improve safety on south west Scotland’s roads but also to achieve reliable journey times for motorists travelling on the network.

“As a business we are committed to sharing best practice and developing innovative techniques which will only serve to enhance the services we provide on behalf of our client over the next five years and beyond.”

Over 30 senior representatives from Transport Scotland, Scotland TranServ’s, North Ayrshire Council, the emergency services and supply chain partners Main Group and Devlin Recovery looked on as the scenario unfolded.

Transport Scotland’s Network Manager for the south west, Graeme Reid said:

“Transport Scotland, through Scotland TranServ and our other partners, want to see a safe and efficient road network and this demonstration is an excellent example of how we work together to achieve that objective.

“Clearing up fuel spillages is one of the issues that we face on a regular basis and this can often lead to more congestion and longer waiting times for drivers and I am very pleased to see Scotland TranServ taking action to help reduce the impact.”

Scotland TranServ aims to work in partnership with local authorities, emergency services and our suppliers to continue to improve services; benefiting our clients and the local communities in which we live, visit and work over the long term.