TODAY, May 26, the broadcast media were reporting ''Scotland's worst-ever traffic jam'' on the A80 in the Cumbernauld area, with tailbacks at times between nine and 12 miles, and delays of up to three hours, apparently caused by resurfacing work on the M80 at Haggs.
This confirms the worst fears of Cumbernauld residents about the consequences if the present Government confirms the previous Government's choice of an on-line upgrade of the A80 as the route for the completion of the M80.
If today's events were repeated continuously for four years, the effect on the people of Cumbernauld do not bear thinking about. In addition, the effect of these sorts of delays on a continuous basis on the economy of central Scotland would be catastrophic.
The Scottish Office Roads Directorate were quoted as saying that the problem had arisen because the contractors had commenced the work during the day, when they were supposed to carry it out at night! Does this mean that they would intend that the work on an on-line upgrade should be carried out at night?
The 2800 households in the Cumbernauld area situated within 300 metres of the line of the road would be horrified at the thought of four years of sleepless nights due to earthmoving, pile driving, etc. In addition, the additional costs of night working would push the costs of the project through the roof.
The Scottish Office must take the sensible decision, and opt for the Kelvin Valley route for the M80.
Alan J Sneddon,
Chairman, Campaign for M80 Bypass,
5 Gainburn Crescent,
Condorrat, Cumbernauld. May 26.
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