As part of Transport Scotland’s strategic trunk road management programme, Scotland TranServ will resume the essential maintenance of the A726 College Milton Rail Bridge on Wednesday 17^th of June.

Refurbishment works, including concrete repairs, waterproofing of the bridge deck and drainage improvements were temporarily paused as part of COVID-19 guidance from the Scottish Government. Our workers, and those of our sub-contractors, will follow strict physical distancing protocols as part of our steps to return safely to work, and deliver those essential maintenance schemes that have been identified as vital to maintaining the integrity and safety of the trunk road network.

Brian Laurie, Scotland TranServ’s Network Bridges Manager said:

“Refurbishment works were well under way on the 11 week programme, when we took the decision, in collaboration with Transport Scotland, to postpone the programme as part of our strict physical distancing protocols. The health and safety of our workers and the travelling public is of paramount importance to Scotland TranServ.

“We have identified and implemented many new working practices, across our own workforce and those of our sub-contractors and suppliers, as we work towards the future delivery of our bridges programme, and other areas of our work. We have carried out thorough risk assessments prior to starting any works, as we take a lead in the delivery of trunk road maintenance.

“This short section of trunk road, between the West Mains Road and Eaglesham Road Roundabouts is an extremely busy stretch of the A726. It is essential to the emergency services, and in particular ambulances travelling to the nearby Hairmyres Hospital. It is also a hub for freight, retail and delivery traffic as part of their essential working.

“It is important that we continue these essential refurbishment works in order to maintain road safety. Traffic volumes currently remain low, in line with government advice. We would like to take this opportunity to thank drivers for making only essential journeys over the last couple of months, and for continuing to protect the country’s key workers.”

Because of new physical distancing working practices, the project duration has been extended by a further 5 weeks, and is therefore now programmed for completion in October under continued phased traffic management. We will continue to keep the community updated as traffic management changes.

Those drivers requiring to use the A726 for essential journeys are advised to allow some extra travel time. Special arrangements have been put in place for emergency service vehicles. Motorists can find live trunk road information by visiting trafficscotland.org or by following @trafficscotland on Twitter. Please click on the map below to view overnight diversion route: