A77 Cairnryan resurfacing works
27 June 2014
Road users are set to benefit from £150k of improvement works on the A77 at Cairnryan beginning 2 July 2014.
Scotland TranServ on behalf of Transport Scotland will carry out resurfacing works to improve the quality of the road surface for the years ahead.
The £150k project gets underway on Wednesday 2 July and is scheduled for completion on Saturday 5 July. As well as resurfacing this section of trunk road, which is reaching the end of its operational life, white lining will also be carried out.
The project will run throughout 4 days with temporary traffic lights in operation supported by a convoy system. The use of temporary traffic lights may be required overnight during the works. As part of the works the parking area between the old filling station and Northbank Cottage will be resurfaced which will restrict parking.
Motorists heading to the ferry terminals in Cairnryan are advised to leave extra time for their journeys.
Russell Rennie, contract director, Scotland TranServ comments:
“This essential maintenance scheme is vital to ensuring we prolong the lifespan of the road surface benefiting road users using the A77.
“Regrettably, there will be some delays however we would advise motorists to plan ahead and leave plenty of time for their journeys.”
Motorists can keep up to date with real time traffic information by visiting www.trafficscotland.org or following @TrafficScotland on Twitter. Advanced warning signs will also be in place on the approach to inform motorists that roadworks are taking place.
Creating a good first impression this summer
Scotland TranServ has launched its Litter Campaign, calling on motorists across South West Scotland to play their part in creating a good first impression for the thousands of visitors expected to arrive this summer.
Around the world Scotland is renowned for its stunning scenery and majestic beauty, however closer to home litter and fly-tipping is widely regarded as a problem. With the tourism economy valued at £494 million for Glasgow alone, it’s important our drivers play a part to support this vital industry.
Mike Cantlay, Chairman of VisitScotland, said:
“Scotland will play host to three momentous events, the Commonwealth Games, the Ryder Cup and the Year of Homecoming. This is the year we welcome the world, it is our chance to shine on the global stage so it is important that Scotland is looking its very best. This advice is a timely reminder that we can all play a part in ensuring that happens.”
Across the south west network last year Scotland TranServ operatives alone collected 28 tonnes of litter, that’s the equivalent weight of nearly 4 double decker buses. We recycled 78% of that total and sent the remaining 22% to landfill. That’s vital funding which could have been invested to improve Scotland’s roads network.
Malcolm Shanks, Scotland TranServ’s Network Operations Manager added:
“Across south west Scotland and particularly at the hub of the motorway network around Glasgow, we are amazed at the things that people think it is alright to dump at the side of our roads; ladders, tents, sofas and even the kitchen sink. Last year our teams alone collected 28 tonnes of rubbish along motorway verges and off our trunk roads. We’re playing our part to keep the network clean, and we’re calling on drivers to play theirs.”
Litter Campaign receives Council support
Councils across South West Scotland are lending their support to Scotland TranServ’s Bag It, Bin It, Take It Home campaign.
The summer litter strategy aims to create a good first impression on the thousands of visitors expected to head to Glasgow and the south west during this Year of Homecoming, the Commonwealth Games and the Ryder Cup.
Russell Rennie, Scotland TranServ’s Contract Director said:
“We spend a lot of time and money dealing with litter on the Motorway Network. We want all drivers to play their part in keeping our verges neat and tidy, particularly in this Year of Homecoming and the Commonwealth Games. If they do so, we can use this money to invest it in further improvements to the motorway infrastructure. As we prepare to welcome thousands of visitors to Scotland, it’s important we all keep our country looking in tip-top condition, rather than relying on agencies to tidy up after us. Remember first impressions count.”
Last year Scotland TranServ’s teams working alone collected 28 tonnes of rubbish along motorway verges and off our trunk roads. Working as part of a concerted Litter Week of Action taskforce with four local authorities they collected 65 tonnes of rubbish.
Councillor Alistair Watson, executive member, Land & Environmental Services, Glasgow City Council, said:
“This is a massive year for Glasgow where the eyes of the world will be on the city. We want to present Glasgow at its very best to the watching world so it is vitally important that we all play our part in keeping all our roads clean. Rubbish thrown out of cars not only makes the city untidy, but also puts road workers lives in danger.”
That sentiment was reiterated by our partners in South Ayrshire.
Councillor John McDowall, South Ayrshire Council’s Portfolio Holder for Sustainability and Environment said:
“We work hard to remove litter from South Ayrshire’s towns, villages and roads every day, keeping the local area clean and looking good for local people and visitors - no matter what form of transport they’ve used to come here. However, some thoughtless people seem to think it is acceptable to drop their litter instead of disposing of it properly and, especially for drivers, there is no excuse to drop litter from their vehicle, whether moving, or parked. We would ask everyone to dispose of litter in bins provided, or bag it up, take it home and dispose of it there and we’ll take swift action if this simple message cannot be heeded by drivers, or their passengers.”
Reminder of Stoneymollan Roundabout resurfacing
25 June 2014
Scotland TranServ, on behalf of Transport Scotland is reminding local drivers of forthcoming overnight resurfacing work on the Stoneymollan Roundabout and A82 approach road.
The project to improve the surface of the carriageway will take place over five nights this week (beginning 29th June). It has been specifically scheduled for through the night in order to reduce disruption to local drivers.
In order to carry out the project it will be necessary to install temporary traffic management overnight between these dates. The scheduling of the traffic management will be:
22:00 (on Sun, 20:00 thereafter) to 06:00 overnights from Sunday 29th June until Saturday 5th July 2014
The project will improve the surface of the carriageway circling the roundabout and the north bound approach road. Not only will this improve the quality of the drive up to the roundabout, but with new white lining in place it will also help make navigation around the roundabout easier for local drivers and visitors alike.
Russell Rennie, Scotland TranServ’s Contract Director said:
“Throughout South West Scotland, from Loch Lomond to Loch Ryan at Stranraer we are investing on behalf of Transport Scotland to improve road surfaces across the network, creating a good first impression for the thousands of visitors expected this summer who will use these tourist trails, and for the hundreds of drivers who year after year use them as vital economic arteries. We are working around the clock to deliver these improvements that will go beyond Homecoming, the Commonwealth Games and the Ryder Cup and leave a long lasting legacy on the trunk road network.”
Knockcastle reminder for North Ayrshire drivers
Scotland TranServ is reminding North Ayrshire drivers of essential road surface improvement work on the A78 at Knockcastle this week.
The short, two-night project will benefit local commuters and visitors alike.
The phased project will require the complete closure of the trunk road over this two night period. In order to carry out this work as quickly as possible and to reduce any further disruption to local drivers it will be necessary to implement a diversion route on these two nights.
Work has been carefully scheduled for through the night in order to avoid disruption to Sunday traders in the local community. We have also been in liaison with a number of organisations including North Ayrshire Council, Inverclyde Council, and Renfrewshire Council, Police Scotland and local bus and ferry companies to sensitively schedule the road closure around their timetables.
In order to carry out the work as quickly and safely as possible it will be necessary to implement a full road closure during the following times:
22:00 to 06:00 on both Monday 30 June and Tuesday 01 July, 2014
Because of the location of the work and the local roads network, it will also be necessary to implement a diversion route. A map of this route is available here for download
Russell Rennie, Scotland TranServ’s Contract Director added:
“Since starting the latest trunk roads contract last year, Scotland TranServ has, on behalf of Transport Scotland been investing to bring these vital economic arteries across Ayrshire and the rest of South West Scotland up to scratch. We’re supporting the economic growth and development of Ayrshire with improved roads, benefitting local drivers and freight traffic for years to come. Working with organisations throughout the region we’re carefully planning our work to ensure these important projects are delivered as quickly and safely as possible, with minimal inconvenience.”
Scotland TranServ launches Litter Campaign
25 June 2014
Scotland is preparing for one of the busiest tourism seasons in a generation and Scotland TranServ is calling on drivers to help make a good first impression on our visitors.
As part of its work to manage south west Scotland’s trunk roads network on behalf of Transport Scotland, our operatives collect the litter that drivers throw out of car windows or leave behind in laybys.
With Glasgow preparing to host the Commonwealth Games as part of the Year of Homecoming, and ahead of the Ryder Cup at Gleneagles, Scotland TranServ is focussed on making a good first impression on drivers heading to these key events.
Keith Brown, Minister for Transport said:
“This is the year when Scotland welcomes the world and we want visitors to see the best that we have to offer across this Summer’s events.
“Debris at the side of the road can create the wrong impression so I am urging drivers to play their part and dispose of their litter responsibly.
“It costs a huge amount to clear-up our trunk roads and that is money that could be better spent on frontline maintenance.
“We are lucky enough to have world renowned scenery. So we should do our best to keep it that way and think twice about how we dispose of our rubbish.”
Across the south west network last year Scotland TranServ operatives alone collected 28 tonnes of litter, that’s the equivalent weight of nearly 4 double decker buses. We recycled 78% of that total and sent the remaining 22% to landfill. That’s vital funding which could have been invested to improve Scotland’s roads network.
Russell Rennie, Scotland TranServ’s Contract Director concluded:
“We spend a lot of time and money dealing with litter on the Motorway Network. We want all drivers to play their part in keeping our verges neat and tidy, particularly in this Year of Homecoming and the Commonwealth Games. If they do so, we can use this money to invest it in further improvements to the motorway infrastructure. As we prepare to welcome thousands of visitors to Scotland, it’s important we all keep our country looking in tip-top condition, rather than relying on agencies to tidy up after us. Remember first impressions count.”
Climbing every mountain to complete 3 Peaks Challenge
Scotland TranServ’s seven strong team has completed the 3 Peaks Challenge to climb the three highest mountains in the UK, raising vital funding for the MS Society and firefighters charity.
The team began their assault at Ben Nevis on Sunday afternoon (5pm), and were then driven through the night to reach Scafell Pike in the Lake District, where they started at first light on Monday. Once that peak was completed they then headed down to Snowdon in Wales to complete the challenge on Monday afternoon.
Senior Road Design Engineer, Alan Murray helped to push his team over the line:
“This was an amazing challenge, but we just kept pushing ourselves on, knowing that we had to complete all three mountains to help raise the money for charity. There’s some aching limbs, sore feet and a few blisters too, but it was certainly worth it. A big thanks is again due to everyone who has supported us throughout the challenge and thank you for giving so generously.”
The Scotland TranServ team is still looking to raise as much funding as it can for the MS Society and firefighters charity. Those who still wish to donate can do so at the group’s page on Just Giving.
To keep up with their charity progress, and get plenty more pictures from the challenge follow us on Twitter: @scottranserv
Scotland TranServ team takes up 3 Peaks Challenge
Seven Scotland TranServ employees will climb every mountain this weekend, and all for a good cause.
Raising money for the MS Society and Firefighters, the team will begin at Ben Nevis, the first of their climbs at Fort William on Sunday afternoon (22 June) and hopefully complete Snowdon in Wales the following afternoon.
Senior Road Design Engineer, Alan Murray has been the driving force behind the challenge:
“We’ve been practicing for months and the team is pretty confident they can do this in under 24 hours. It’s not just about climbing the three highest mountains in the UK, but about raising vital funds for the MS Society, a charity very close to our hearts at Scotland TranServ. In order to get to our charity target, the team had a bake sale, a dress down Friday and has an online fundraising page. Everyone at work has been really supportive.”
The Scotland TranServ team is still looking to break through their fund raising target. Those who wish to donate can do so at the group’s page on Just Giving.
To keep up with their progress, with plenty of pictures from Sunday into Monday follow us on Twitter: @scottranserv
Brazilliant opportunity for young engineers
As Scotland is gripped by World Cup fever, one Scotland TranServ graduate has swapped Rio for Rutherglen and the samba for Sauchiehall Street.
Brazilian, Gustavo Alarcon is kicking off a summer engineering internship at the South West’s trunk road operator, learning the silky skills that keep Scotland’s roads top of their game.
While Polmadie isn’t quite Ipanema, Gustavo is keen to kick off his career and has been learning about quality crossing at the Erskine Bridge over the last few weeks:
“Everyone at Scotland TranServ has been so friendly and I’m looking forward to learning as much as I can over the next few months. To learn from experienced engineers planning the future of some of the busiest roads in the United Kingdom is a fantastic opportunity. It is great to support everything that I have learned over the last year with hands-on, practical experience. Some of my new colleagues are even supporting Brazil in the World Cup, seeing as Scotland aren’t there.”
Gustavo is among a number of youngsters starting out at Scotland TranServ, which operates the trunk roads network across the south west on behalf of Transport Scotland. The company will also take on a couple of new graduates and two new apprentices.
Two youngsters will also shortly start a 2-year apprenticeship with Scotland TranServ. The company will put the apprentices through their SVQ Level 2 apprenticeship in Highway Maintenance, with the majority of programme carried out in-house and a small element of external provision. The apprenticeship is based on a Balfour Beatty model, one of the joint venture partners involved in Scotland TranServ.
Kilmarnock youngster Declan Murphy has recently completed an apprenticeship with the organisation and has been taken on at the firm’s depot in Ayr. He added:
“This is a great opportunity for me and one that I’m looking forward to, progressing my career with a leading company like Scotland TranServ, particularly when they were formed by Balfour Beatty and Mouchel, two of the biggest civil engineering companies in Britain. I’ve learned loads over the last few years, but I know there’s still a lot more to learn from the experienced guys I’ll be working with. There’s places to develop and I’m looking forward to working hard and getting on in the company.”
Roundabout resurfacing ahead of tourism season
Scotland TranServ, on behalf of Transport Scotland is following up the successful redevelopment of the Stoneymollan Roundabout with overnight resurfacing on the A82 approach road.
The project to improve the surface of the carriageway will take place over five nights this week (beginning 29th June), specifically scheduled to reduce any further disruption to local drivers.
Brendan O’Sullivan, Scotland TranServ’s Area Network Programme Manager said:
“We are working through the night and specifically ahead of the tourist season in order to reduce disruption to the local community. During this Year of Homecoming, the Commonwealth Games and the Ryder Cup the A82 and Stoneymollan will be vital tourist arteries, as the gateway to Loch Lomond and the Highlands. We want to create a good first impression on these visitors and leave a lasting legacy of a high quality road surface for local drivers for years to come.”
In order to carry out the project it will be necessary to install temporary traffic management overnight between these dates. The scheduling of the traffic management will be:
22:00 (on Sun, 20:00 thereafter) to 06:00 overnights from Sunday 29th June until Saturday 5th July 2014
The project will improve the surface of the carriageway circling the roundabout and the north bound approach road. Not only will this improve the quality of the drive up to the roundabout, but with new white lining in place it will also help make navigation around the roundabout easier for local drivers and visitors alike.
