Calls for review of 'dangerous' Coatbridge road junction

A petition was launched on July 18 to review the A725, Shawhead flyover in Coatbridge after “so many accidents and near misses” on this stretch of road.

It has so far gathered more than 2700 signatures.

A725 Shawhead flyover (Image: Colin Mearns)

The petition comes after a fatal crash involving a Ford Transit flatbed van, a red HGV, and a black Mini Cooper took place on July 18 on the flyover at its junction with the A8 eastbound slip road.

We previously reported that emergency services were called to the area at around 11.20am and the road was closed until around 5.30pm.

Viorel Ciucu (Image: Police Scotland)

Police Scotland confirmed that the driver of the Transit, a 50-year-old man who has been named as Viorel Ciucu, had died.

Those inside the other vehicles were checked over at the scene.

It is understood that inquiries to establish the full circumstances of the collision remain ongoing.

A spokesperson for Police Scotland said: "Anyone with information is asked to call Police Scotland via 101, quoting incident number 1190 of July 18."

(Image: Colin Mearns)

The petition, which calls for a review of the junction, highlights various concerns that local residents and motorists have including traffic lights reportedly changing too quickly and “drivers jumping lights”.

It reads: “I’m writing this because of so many accidents and near misses resulting in death or injury at the A725, Shawhead flyover in Coatbridge.

“This is a disgrace of a junction. Traffic lights are changing too quickly. Drivers are jumping lights. The amount of accidents here is a disgrace and the council needs to do something about this before other drivers die or are seriously injured in an accident.

“Find the money and change this road or put it back to the way it was before with roundabouts to help slow down the traffic.”

The petition can be viewed HERE.

(Image: Colin Mearns)

Motorists shared their own experiences and thoughts in the comments.

One person said: “I dread using this junction. Small changes to its design would make a huge difference.”

A second commented: “This flyover junction is so dangerous. I avoid it if I can.”

A third added: “This road, traffic lights, and junction is a disgrace. The lights change far too quickly while filter lane lights aren’t always shown.”

(Image: Colin Mearns)

Fulton Macgregor, MSP for Coatbridge and Chryston, told the Glasgow Times that he has been in contact with Transport Scotland ‘over the years’ regarding this junction.

He said: “Over the years I have made representation to Transport Scotland regarding this area of the road and am currently seeking an update on planned changes which were outlined when I last met with them earlier this year.

“I am also seeking a further meeting to put forward constituents concerns and have kept the Cabinet Secretary in the loop as I have raised the junction in Parliament several times over the years.

“I am very aware of concerns going back some years, and how the number of accidents, and near misses, witnessed by road users and the local community has eroded confidence in the safety of this junction.

“I will continue to communicate with the local community as my discussions with Transport Scotland progress and once more thank the community for raising their concerns with me, for assisting emergency services on the day of this very tragic event, and pay my deepest condolences to the family of the gentlemen who tragically lost his life.”

(Image: Colin Mearns)

A Transport Scotland spokesperson commented: “Our sympathies are with family and friends affected by this accident.

“As part of standard policy, Transport Scotland officials have met with Police Scotland and the road operator, Scottish Roads Partnership, to obtain more detailed information.

 “We acknowledge the public interest in this, notably this petition, and work closely with partner organisations on safety matters more widely.

“As is the case for the whole trunk road network, these junctions are kept under regular review to ensure they operate as they should, and recent audits have not identified any issues.”

It is understood that North Lanarkshire Council is not responsible for the A725, Shawhead flyover.