Major roadworks at a key Forfar junction have been completed, to the relief of drivers in the town.
The West Port project got under way in late October to carry out resurfacing and traffic signal works at the junction of Glamis Road/Craig O’ Loch Road/West High Street/Dundee Loan.
Part of the project was paid for by supermarket giant Asda. It contributed £30,000 to the traffic signals element of the scheme as part of the planning process connected with its recently opened St James Road store.
The West Port closure and the influx of shoppers to the new supermarket placed considerable strain on St James Road, leading to commuter chaos during the works.
A senior local firefighter also criticised the situation after taking more than twice the usual time to break through the gridlock and reach the fire station at Strang Street while responding to an emergency call.
The project also involved an unscheduled five-day closure of Dundee Loan after engineers found that the condition of the existing road was so poor it had to be reconstructed to a greater depth than planned.
The increased traffic flow resulting from the new store has also led councillors to agree extensions to on-street parking restrictions in part of St James Road a move which was opposed by some residents.
A council spokesman confirmed that the West Port project had been completed close to schedule and thanked drivers for their cooperation in the past weeks.
”The council apologises for any inconvenience caused by the junction closure. However, this full reconstruction of the road will minimise the need for future road maintenance repairs in the vicinity of the West Port junction,” he said.
* Meanwhile, roadworks begin in Maule Street, Carnoustie, later this week, for five weeks.
Work will be carried out to the road and pavement from the junction of Queen Street to Lochty Street.
The street will be closed for the duration of the work and residents are asked to find alternative parking.
Pedestrian access will be available to all properties but for health and safety reasons, if work is being carried out directly in front of an access, barriers will be in place around the working area.
Residents requiring access to or from their property while work is being carried out are asked to contact a member of the workforce who will assist.
Roadworks are also set to begin at Dalhousie Street in Monifieth, from the junction of Ramsay Street to Reform Street.
They are expected to last for two weeks, during which time the road will be closed.
Residents must also find alternative parking. However, domestic refuse collection will be unaffected.