SGN and Moray Council assure motorists essential gas pipe work on Grantown road is being carried out as quickly as possible
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LOCAL motorists using a busy route to and from town are suffering gridlock at peak times due to a lengthy period of roadworks.
Energy company SGN started a 10-month project of gas pipe replacement in April, the current phase of which is causing tailbacks from Balnageith along the Grantown road and St Catherine’s Road to the Victoria roundabout. This is also often resulting in build-ups of traffic on connections including Orchard Road and Mannachie, as well as the Thornhill and Knockomie housing estates.
Forres Community Council member and housing and property contracts supervisor, John Innes, has been working in homes off the Grantown road in recent weeks.
He said: “Since SGN removed heras fencing and added an extra set of lights on the route, it’s been a disaster. On Thursday, May 11, I was back and forth two or three times and was caught in traffic jams for 10-15 minutes at a time.
“During the second school run period, I was sitting at the Brig and witnessed a few instances of drivers being caught queueing in the middle of the road which affected the traffic light sensors, meaning motorists were not being given the chance to carry on moving.
“They’ve covered up the permanent lights at Forres Health and Care Centre and installed temporary lights but there’s been some appalling driving adding to the hold-ups.
“This work is a disaster for the areas feeding onto the Grantown road.
“It’s a main thoroughfare also used by lorries and delivery vans.”
SGN is investing £560,000 in replacing ageing metal pipes with new ones made from polyethylene to ensure “a safe and reliable gas supply for many years to come”.
The British gas distribution firm announced the works at the start of April.
A spokesperson said: “To minimise disruption, we’re working closely with Moray Council to plan any necessary traffic management and will be implementing a phased approach.
“We’ll be doing everything we can to limit delays and disruption and to ensure the project remains on schedule, working extended hours or at weekends as required.
“Access will be maintained for emergency vehicles and we’ll ensure that temporary traffic lights will be manually controlled if necessary during peak periods.”
Following numerous complaints about resultant traffic jams, the Gazette asked Moray Council and SGN to comment.
A local authority spokesperson confirmed it is for SGN to comment on timings and traffic management, such as adjusting the phasing of the lights and putting out additional signs to advise drivers not to block junctions.
She added: “We’re working with SGN and their traffic management company to monitor and reduce issues and this will continue throughout the works.”
Phase 2 (of eight) started on April 17 and is expected to last 14 weeks. It covers Grantown Road between Fleurs Place and Forres Health and Care Centre. It is being carried out with temporary traffic lights and lane closures.
An SGN spokesperson said: “Our essential upgrade work was planned in close consultation with Moray Council and is progressing well. We’re aware it’s a very busy route and would advise motorists to allow more time for their journey.
“We have adjusted the timings of our temporary traffic lights to help traffic flow. We’re also working extended hours and weekends to minimise disruption and ensure our work is completed as quickly as possible.”
Meanwhile, Mr Innes and many other drivers attempting to get home, to work and school are being asked to be patient.
Mr Innes said: “Folk are already starting to use alternative routes such as the Mundole and Rafford roads.
“Why wasn’t this thought out? Working while the schools are open despite the summer holidays coming up ...? It’s affecting folk trying to get to work and it’s just a matter of time before there’s an incident.
“There’s no easy solution but why don’t they work at night or at weekends?”
