Fears raised over Towers Road bridge closure

Jul 1 2009 by Gordon Robertson, Airdrie & Coatbridge Advertiser

FEARS have been raised over plans to close a busy road bridge for up to a year.

The crossing on Towers Road, Airdrie, will be shut for at least 46 weeks to allow a new bridge to be built over a section of the Airdrie-Bathgate rail link.

The bridge was closed last Friday and a series of diversions are now in operation.

But the impact of increased traffic through the Craigneuk and Petersburn areas of the town has raised safety concerns.

Airdrie South councillor John Love fears for the welfare of local children during the period of closure.

He said: “I am glad that the closure of the Towers Road bridge comes into effect when the schools are closed but there is a knock-on effect for the people of this area.

“For a limited period this bridge and the one at Crowwood Drive will be closed at the same time and this will cause all traffic from the area to use Petersburn Road and Craigneuk Avenue, both of which, at times, are difficult to exit.

“The situation will be worse when the schools return and, although the Crowwood Drive bridge should be available, we will have all the Caldervale School buses from the north using these junctions. At certain times they are difficult to negotiate either way and traffic may have to pass the area’s primary schools. I am concerned about this situation and intend to discuss the situation with the council’s traffic department and the police.

“I am aware that the Carlisle Road bridge will also have to be closed at some point soon and diversions will have to be put in place, possibly using bridges into Gartlea and Craigneuk/Petersburn. As councillors, my colleagues and I are concerned about this situation, as we have been over road safety for the children in our area.”

Mr Love and other councillors wrote to North Lanarkshire Council roads chief with their concerns.

In a reply seen by the Advertiser, Graham MacKay, the council’s head of roads and transportation, addressed the issue of congestion at the Petersburn Road/Carlisle Road (A73) junction.

Mr Mackay said: “I am still of the view that the junction would operate better as a give way in order to minimise disruption on the A73, however in order that a quick response can be made in the event of major delays on Petersburn Road, it is now proposed that manned temporary signals will be placed at this junction on Monday morning (of this week) to be available if required. Roads staff will be present to monitor the junction on Monday morning.

“Additional signing has also been ordered for the A73 to advise that this will be a diversion route and to expect delays.

“I hope that the above measures will provide a degree of re-assurance concerning the ability to react to the diversion demands.”