THEY’VE been called the worst roadworks in Scotland and now people from the area around the Greenlaw-Mauricewood development at Penicuik in Midlothian have dubbed it “the chicane”.
The temporary roadworks on the A702, the main Edinburgh to Carlisle route, were to prepare a roundabout into new estates that will have 1000 houses to the west of Penicuik.
The roadworks were supposed to be finished yesterday but earlier this month Midlothian construction firm Crummock collapsed with the loss of 287 jobs and work ceased immediately, with the scheme’s major contractor Taylor Wimpey left high and dry.
Local people contacted The National to complain. Noel McDonald said: “It has to be the worst set of roadworks I have ever seen. People are calling it the chicane and no wonder – it’s just a matter of time before a driver misjudges the turns and there’s a major accident.”
Midlothian Council and Transport Scotland are aware of the problem and are said to be “comfortable” with the current arrangements.
A spokesperson for Taylor Wimpey East Scotland said: “The confirmation that Crummock Scotland has gone into receivership has had an immediate effect on the timing of delivery of the new roundabout to replace the existing T-junction at the A702 and Mauricewood Road intersection near Penicuik in Midlothian. As the lead developer on the project, we have taken steps to ensure that the current traffic management system will remain in place and is effective, and we have also secured the compound area.
“We are in the process of assessing the extent of the completed works along with the remaining works that are required to successfully finish this project. This will enable us to appoint a suitable new contractor with the capability to complete the programme as quickly and as safely as possible in a manner that minimises any disruption.
“This process may take a number of weeks to complete and we will provide a further update when a new contractor has been appointed, along with confirmation of when the works can recommence. This work is an important element within a programme of key infrastructure improvements, and it is part of the collective obligation for a number of developers with sites allocated for new housing across Penicuik. We apologise for any inconvenience.”
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