Technical Notes 2024, Issue 55 - Canniesburn Toll Improvement Project – Project update

1. The purpose of this Technical Note is to provide Elected Members with further updates on the progress of the Canniesburn Toll Improvement Project (‘the Project’).  This follows recent updates in Technical Note No. 040-24 of 12th March 2024, and Technical Note No. 027-24 of 21st February 2024.
    
2. The Project will see the delivery of a long-term requirement that was included as a condition of a planning application, covering the Kilmardinny Masterplan in Bearsden, approved by a Scottish Government Reporter on appeal in 2010 (Appeal Ref: PPA/200/242 for application TP/ED/04/1279).  Condition 2 required ‘A detailed specification and implementation programme, including phasing, for… 2(e)(iii) … ‘the replacement of the Canniesburn Toll roundabout with traffic signal control’.  This work was therefore deemed necessary by the Reporter as a result of the Kilmardinny redevelopment.
    
3. Work commenced on site in the summer of 2023 following the appointment of the principal contractor.  The Project programme is continually reviewed to assess its progress and the impacts of any unforeseen circumstances that may impact construction.  As advised in Technical Note No. 027-24 issues with utility infrastructure was impacting the construction methodology, and the programme was under review. 
    
4. During construction several subterranean utility services have been uncovered that had not been previously identified by utility companies. The Council liaised closely with utility providers through the design process, which involved early and ongoing engagement with providers to ascertain utility infrastructure known in the area, and to reach agreement with utility companies on designs and construction methodology prior to construction beginning.  The Council also undertook ground radar surveys during the design phase of the project in order to try minimise risk relating to utilities.
    
5. The discovery of additional utilities on site has resulted in a requirement to refine the SUDs drainage design, and parts of the construction methodology.  The required changes have meant additional work is required which was not previously accounted for in the programme.  The original estimated overall completion date for the project was Spring 2024.  This has now been confirmed as the end of September 2024.
    
6. Work is progressing with a focus on completing the inner roundabout and islands before undertaking carriageway re-surfacing.  Included within this work is: remaining drainage and utilities; ducting; lighting and signals works as well as kerbing/footway works and creating a parking area at the shops.
    
7. The current Traffic Management (TM) phase which includes the closure of a small section of road within the roundabout, between Switchback Northbound and Southbound is due to run until 22nd April 24 (as updated in Technical Note No. 040-24 of 12th March).  Following this, the TM will revert to lane closures only allowing access to/from all arms of the roundabout.
    
8. There will require to be short periods of closures towards the end of the programme to allow carriageway re-surfacing.  This is unavoidable.  These will be notified well in advance via Technical Note and via the Council’s project webpage, as well as formal notification undertaken through the required traffic order.  Please note that Switchback Road (Southbound) has already been resurfaced so will not require any further closure.
    
9. The completion of the Project will provide a range of significant improvements to this large round about which connects 3 A-roads.  This will include new traffic signals as well as improved pedestrian and cycle facilities; provision of parking spaces to service existing businesses; provide a betterment to a pre-existing drainage issue; upgrades to street lighting; and changes to the footway and carriageway surface in the vicinity of Canniesburn Toll.
    

Next steps

• The project webpage will be updated shortly to provide further details on work   progress and future stages.