Councillor hits out at lengthy Canniesburn Toll works in Bearsden

East Dunbartonshire Council is currently undertaking works at Bearsden’s Canniesburn Toll roundabout in a bid to “create a better environment for all road users."

The project began at the end of July and is estimated to last nine months, but the lengthy works and associated road closures have left those living nearby fed-up with drivers using their residential streets as a diversion.

Road closed signs on Maryhill Road (Image: Newsquest)

Opposition councillor Vaughan Moody, who represents Bearsden South, told the Glasgow Times: “The works at Canniesburn Toll have been programmed to take months longer than they should.

“It would have been far better to put in more resources to get the work done far quicker.

“However, the cash strapped SNP/Labour East Dunbartonshire Council is having to save money at the expense of inconvenience and aggravation for local people and commuters.”

Queuing traffic at the junction of Ballater Drive and Braemar Crescent (Image: Newsquest)

As part of the current stage of works, the Northwestbound carriageway of Maryhill Road is closed between its junctions with Milngavie Road and Canniesburn Toll.

The roundabout is also closed until February 27 between its junctions with Switchback Road (Southbound)/Maryhill Road and the extended east kerbline of Switchback Road (Northbound), Bearsden.

The diversion outlined by the council includes a lengthy detour for drivers to Kilbowie Road in Hardgate and along Great Western Road.

Queuing traffic in Ballater Drive (Image: Newsquest)

Stuart Clanachan, who lives in nearby Ballater Drive, told the Glasgow Times about the impact months of increased traffic is having on residents.

“Since the work started months ago, we have had increased traffic using the streets as a rat run to get to the Switchback but since the on ramp from the roundabout to the Switchback is closed, we have had all traffic from Bearsden and Milngavie pass through our streets seven days a week, 12 hours per day,” said the 62-year-old.

“When we open our front door, we are greeted with carbon monoxide stench and when we try to get our cars out or in the driveway it’s a shouting match and abuse from the cars, vans, trucks and buses.

“Even taking the dog for a walk is stressful and now, due to the volume of traffic, the street is full of potholes so you have to weave in an out to avoid damaging your car.

“Also it’s got that bad that two elderly residents lay down on the street to make a statement and stop the traffic.”

Queuing traffic on Braemar Crescent (Image: Newsquest)

The works will see the installation of traffic signal infrastructure to control traffic and allow pedestrians to cross safely, advanced stop lines for on-road cyclists, and a shared-use footway around the roundabout's perimeter for those cycling off-road.

As part of the project, the footway section that wraps around the central island will be removed to discourage people from attempting to walk to and from the central island.

Cllr Gordan Low, leader of EDC, said: “The Canniesburn project is delivering on a long-term commitment by the Council which was inherited by this administration and which is designed to improve traffic flow and to make it far more pedestrian and cycling friendly.

“There is a dedicated page on the council webpage for anyone looking for further information on the project but the criticisms levelled by Cllr Moody are, frankly, astonishing given his former role as joint Leader of the council.

"He should, and probably does, know that there was no way this project (begun under his watch) could be delivered without disruption and neither he, nor any other member of his group have raised any of these concerns in committee or in the council chamber."

“We are currently in the most disruptive phase of the works, which should be completed by the end of February," added Cllr Low.

"Once this phase has been completed the current congestion will ease.”