Roadworkers in Dunfermline say they have been subjected to abuse after major roadworks in the city got under way.
Drivers have faced long queues at Bothwell Gardens roundabout in recent days after the start of the 16-week project.
There was anger on Sunday when the roadworks started a day earlier than advertised.
Fife Council has since apologised.
However, there are fears the roadworks – which involve four-way temporary traffic lights – will cause “chaos” in the weeks ahead.
One contractor working at the site says he has already faced abuse and complaints from disgruntled drivers.
He told The Courier: “The road restrictions and lights are in place to make it safe for everyone.
“Some impatient drivers have been beeping their horns in anger.
“We’ve even had a few shouting abuse out of their windows as they go past.
“There’s just no need for it, we’re only trying to do our job.”
Dunfermline roadworks a ‘no-go zone for drivers’
Other workers are worried about the impact the roadworks will have on their jobs.
One courier, who asked not to be named, said the roadworks had already made the area a “no-go zone” for motorists.
He said: “It’s an absolute nightmare for me as I deliver to addresses on all sides of the roundabout.
“Normally I’d be criss-crossing in and out again using Bothwell Street, Woodmill Street and Nethertown Broad Street.
“But with a four-way traffic lights system and lane closures now in place, I’m left stuck in endless tailbacks and queues.
“I’ve already experienced a delay of over half an hour.
“That’s just not sustainable if it’s to go on for 20 weeks and has practically made the area a no-go zone.”
Signs at the site initially said the work would last for 20 weeks, but these have since been updated to say 16 weeks.
Another driver who sat in queues on Woodmill Street on Monday said he had been waiting to get through the lights for more than 20 minutes.
He said: “It’s ridiculous, and I’ll be certainly avoiding the area completely from now on.”
Bus passenger late for work due to Dunfermline roadworks
The congestion led to the cancellation of several Stagecoach bus services on Monday.
Bus passenger Julie Carmichael said: “I asked to be let off the bus as it’s quicker to walk.
“I’m already late for work but what can I do?
“All the passengers on the bus were up in arms about it and this is only the start of it.
“Maybe they should think about working on the roadworks through the night to speed things up.”
Councillor Altany Craik, the council’s roads spokesperson, has already admitted the local authority had been “caught off guard” when the roadworks began a day early.
John Mitchell, head of roads and transportation services at Fife Council, has also apologised for the “confusion and disruption” caused on Sunday.
He said: “We incorrectly advised that the Bothwell Gardens Roundabout roadworks wouldn’t be starting until Monday, however, it was agreed with the contractor that they could set up the traffic management on Sunday so that the measures could be tested, and signal timings adjusted before the roadworks began.
“I’m pleased to say that traffic moved much better during Monday morning’s busy period, and we will work with the contractor to ensure that delays are minimised as much as practicable.
“We have now updated all signs to advise that the roadworks, which have now started, will run for 16 weeks.
‘These roadworks have been identified as necessary’
“It should be made clear that these works have been identified as necessary to help mitigate the traffic impacts of the major housing development planned for Dunfermline over the next 20 years, comprising some 8,000 new homes, and the works are being funded by developers.
“While this improvement has been identified as critical to allow the expansion to occur, unfortunately, due to the location, there will be a significant impact on the travelling public during the works.
“We would ask that people where possible consider alternative routes and allow more time for their journeys.
“We appreciate that there are local events during the period of the roadworks, and we will look to minimise delays as much as practicable.”
The roadworks will involve the resurfacing and signal upgrades at Elgin Street and Moodie Street crossroads.
Traffic lights will also be added to the roundabout.
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