Major roadworks on one of Fife’s busiest roads have prompted concerns from a local councillor.
Howe of Fife and Tay Coast councillor Andrew Arbuckle fears the bridge strengthening work at Edenbank Bridge near Freuchie could have adverse consequences on local businesses and communities.
The work is forcing the closure of a stretch of the A92 for six weeks, with diversions rerouting large volumes of traffic through Strathmiglo.
Even after the road is reopened it is expected that a further four to six weeks of work will be required on the bridge, creating potential for further delays for motorists.
Mr Arbuckle told The Courier: “I’ve had great concerns about this for some time. I know that one community council suggested that BEAR Scotland construct a temporary crossing at the river.
“My two main concerns are the effects of traffic on the smaller roads and the effect that the closure will have on local business, in particular the local garage and garden centre.
“The garage is one of the last independently-run garages in north-east Fife and I wouldn’t want anything to happen to it.
“In fairness, BEAR Scotland have done a lot of pre-publicity before commencing with their work but it’s still going to prove disruptive. I will be making sure that work is kept up to date.”
Work at Edenbank Bridge began on Wednesday following a two-day postponement due to recent strong winds.
The £500,000 project is essential after an inspection of the bridge revealed it to be suffering from water-related defects and severe masonry deterioration.
Fellow councillor Donald Lothian praised BEAR Scotland for consulting with locals before beginning operations and described the strengthening work as “necessary”.
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He said: “The impact of the A92 closure needs to be minimised and I have contacted BEAR to remind them that there will be particular anxiety in the communities of Freuchie, Falkland, Strathmiglo and Auchtermuchty at the prospect of diverted traffic for around six weeks.
“In particular I highlighted the problem that occurred during the previous A92 road closure which was additional traffic, including HGVs, using the Shiells road between Freuchie and Ladybank resulting in congestion, verge damage and irritation to residents living in this area.
“I have also sought to minimise the inevitable detrimental effect that the closure will have on some local businesses.”
Fife police confirmed they will be giving the area extra attention during the works.
Meanwhile, Fife Council believe traffic diverted through Falkland will not hinder or be hindered by efforts to rebuild a historic wall in the village.
The boundary wall near Falkland Palace was demolished by developer Lomond Land Ltd last April, resulting in the issue of an enforcement notice by Fife Council. This was upheld on appeal on Tuesday (link), requiring the company to rebuild the wall within three months.
Falkland is on the main diversion route for A92 traffic during the Edenbank works. But environment, enterprise and transport committee chairman Tony Martin said: “They (Lomond Land) will have to get on with the work within the timeframe and the fact that there may be extra traffic is irrelevant.”
BEAR Scotland said they would be trying to finish the work as soon as possible.
Spokesman Eddie Ross said: “We appreciate the disruption this causes and we are working very hard to ensure works are completed to these timescales. Weather permitting, this should be attainable within the planned programme.
“We ask motorists to drive carefully on the diversion routes, particularly through the communities that wouldn’t normally expect such traffic flow.”For more information visit roadworks.bearscot.com