Stirling residents and commuters have been subjected to severe delays and frustration due to roadworks in Causewayhead this week.
At peak times, cars were backed to Causewayhead Roundabout, Customs Roundabout and along Alloa Road.
Locals reported carers being unable to reach houses, and buses that usually use the route – including the UL, 51 and 52 – were diverting to avoid delays.
A traffic management system was implemented while road patching works were carried out on Causewayhead Road, with Cleuch Road and Easter Cornton Road closed from Sunday to Wednesday (November 10-13).
‘Absolute carnage’
Causewayhead Chiropractic branded the roadworks as “absolute carnage” and took to social media to ask customers to allow extra time for the journey.
Local resident Andrea Strang saw vehicles turning around in the road when stuck in tailbacks.
She said: “I came out Chattan Avenue to turn right towards town to meet a car who had got fed up waiting and come along the wrong side of the road.
“Nearly hit me head on. Absolutely crazy.”
One Causewayhead resident told The Courier: “Roadworks have to be done, I understand that.
“What I don’t understand is why Causewayhead continues to suffer. We’ve had years of these cycle paths being out in.
“There’s been accidents and I don’t know how the ambulances get through this [the roadworks].”
On Monday evening, police were called to a road traffic collision on Spittal Hill involving a cyclist and a car.
Local man Callum Haig raised concerns over emergency service provision during the works.
“I fear how long it’s going to take any emergency to get to the scene,” he said on Monday after the incident, later adding it was “more concerning” when considering the proximity to Wallace High School.
Delays expected to ease
A Stirling Council spokesperson told The Courier that advance signage had advised motorists of the work and to consider alternative routes.
They said: “The current delays are expected to ease from Wednesday [November 13] as the temporary traffic lights change from 4-way to 2-way control.
“Traffic marshalls are also on-site to assist with vehicle and pedestrian management to help minimise disruption.
“We recognise the inconvenience caused by this and the construction of the active travel routes along this road and understand the frustration felt by motorists.
“We appreciate everyone’s continued patience and understanding as we aim to work to improve the area for everyone’s benefit as quickly and efficiently as possible.”
More closures planned for Causewayhead
From November 13 until November 15, part of Causewayhead Road will be closed from 8pm to 6am for vegetation clearance works.
This is the bridge stretch from Customs Roundabout to its junction with Cornton Road.
Castle Road and Dumyat Road are due to be shut from November 13 to November 17 for road surfacing works.
Roadworks in Bridge of Allan, due to start on November 17, were also called a “kick in the teeth” for local businesses by the town’s traders.
It comes after four weeks of “misery” caused by roadworks to finalise the active travel link between the city centre and Stirling University.
Construction on Stirling’s new active travel network – part of a £9.8 million project named Walk, Cycle, Live Stirling – began in 2022.
According to Cycle Scotland, journeys made by cyclists on Airthrey Road have doubled.
A total of 10,926 people cycled southbound on the route in June, July and August 2024, with 5,295 over the same period in 2023.
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