Solutions at Swallow Hotel Roundabout must be implemented now
Proposals to improve the Swallow Roundabout, arising out of the safety audit that has been undertaken, should now be published and implemented without further delay, says a West End Councillor.
Councillor Fraser Macpherson adds that the matter has dragged on without a resolution for far too long. The safety audit was undertaken following a deluge of complaints about faults in the recent redesign of the roundabout. That resulted in tailbacks as drivers have been confused over lanes and directional signage.
Councillor Fraser Macpherson said:
“Like other councillors including Perth and Kinross colleagues, I and my ward colleague Councillor Michael Crichton, have received lots of complaints about the way the redesign of the Swallow Roundabout is functioning. People are really frustrated by tailbacks and confusion directional signage.”
“I have repeatedly asked Springfield, who, as the Western Gateway developer, led the redesign of the roundabout, when the outcome of the safety audit would be known. This audit took place on Wednesday 5th March but the matter is still dragging on unresolved.”
Most recently on 9th June, Springfield’s representative advised Councillor Macpherson :
“Transport Scotland, supported by Amey the operating company for the North East Trunk Road Network, are working with all parties, including Springfield, the appointed design consultant and Dundee City Council, to ensure that any changes at the Swallow Roundabout, identified in the safety audit or reported by members of the public, are fully considered. “
“Any changes from the original design is a complex process involving consultation with a range of parties to identify the most effective solution, which is being progressed as quickly as possible.”
“When Springfield is aware of the outcomes, they will be communicated.”
Councillor Macpherson, who is leader of Dundee City Council’s Liberal Democrat Group, added:
“It is fast approaching four months since the safety audit took place and it is clear that constituents are rightly frustrated that this matter is dragging on and is not yet resolved.
“Whilst everyone appreciates why the roundabout area was redesigned given the amount of house building in the Western Gateway in recent years, many constituents feel that the smooth flowing of the trunk road traffic has been badly compromised by the new design and this needs to be rectified. Drivers find the lanes layout and directional signage confusing and the tailbacks on the trunk road are completely unacceptable.
“I think it is reasonable for the proposed improvements following the safety audit to now be made public and improvement works now undertaken as soon as practical.”