Delays over as roadworks get completed

Mar 4 2009 by Carla Callaghan, Wishaw Press

SHIELDS Road in Muirhouse, Motherwell, has re-opened – after a month of traffic hold-ups causing chaos for drivers throughout the area.

Work to widen the road and install traffic lights started on February 9.

And contractors were on site 12 hours a day, seven days a week, in a bid to finish the job in time.

Ambulances had to be re-routed in order to beat hold-ups and drivers were delayed at diversions.

Motherwell and Wishaw residents hit out at the plan to close both parts of the carriageway in Shields Road after the disruptions earlier work in Glasgow Road, Wishaw, had caused.

The aim of the Shields Road refurbishment was to alleviate congestion in an area prone to heavy traffic.

And traffic was running smoothly through the improved road on Monday morning.

Graham Mackay, head of roads and transportation with North Lanarkshire Council, said: “We’re really pleased the road has re-opened so far ahead of schedule and commend the efforts of our contractors.

“Drivers now have a wider road and improved traffic management system, which should result in reduced congestion and less need to close the road to accommodate any future works.

“It will also be easier to access the main road from adjacent residential streets and the new signals over Range Road will provide a pedestrian phase, thereby, making it easier and safer for pedestrians to cross the road.

“The signals will also use technology which gives ambulances based at Range Road priority over all other traffic in the event of an emergency.”

He added: “Some works are still being completed, however, these are being undertaken using temporary management so traffic is still flowing through the area.

“We are confident the improvements the works have delivered will make for an easier daily journey for commuters.”

Danny McIntyre, who has been a school crossing patrol officer at Shields Road for nine years thinks the delays have been worth it.

He said: “I have seen a difference in the roads this morning. The traffic is moving much better. It does seem much clearer and is an improvement, but this is the first day.”

ON DUTY: school crossing patrol officers Danny McIntyre and Jim Rodger are pleased with the new and improved Shields Road.WSH020309shieldsroad-04

GREEN LIGHT: traffic was moving smoothly on Monday morning.WSH020309shieldsroad-02

IMPROVEMENT: motorists no longer have to endure delays on Shields Road.WSH020309shieldsroad-03