The Scottish Government

This item was published during the term of a previous administration that ended in April 2007

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New roundabout set for A78 junction

13/10/2003

Work will start this month on a new £1.4 million roundabout on the A78 junction at Cloch Road south of Greenock and Gourock.

The roundation will be constructed at an existing T-junction where the A770 Cloch Road meets the A78.

The Executive has appointed contractors ERDC to do the works, which are expected to start on October 20 and be completed by mid next year. The junction will be named the Bankfoot Roundabout.

Transport Minister Nicol Stephen said:

"Improving safety on Scotland's roads is a top priority for our government. I am therefore delighted to see these new measures, that will benefit the people of Gourock, Greenock and other travellers using this stretch of road, being implemented.

"The new roundabout will help to improve safety at the junction, which has experienced a number of accidents resulting in injuries as vehicles turn right on and off the junction.

"The roundabout will also improve the traffic flow and increase vehicle capacity at the junction, which is now near to capacity."

Gordon Allan, Unit Manager South West for Amey Highways in Scotland, said:

"Continued improvement to the roads network is paramount, therefore, Amey Highways recognise the importance of these essential works, which will create a roundabout at theCloch Roadjunction.

"As the existing layout is currently reaching capacity the new roundabout will make it easier and indeed safer for motorists negotiating the junction, particularly when making a right turn.

"Amey Highways is delighted to supervise the improvements on behalf of the Scottish Executive following input and support from the local community."

Funding for the new roundabout comes from the 2003-04 Transport Budget.

The present T-junction is made up of the A78 dual carriageway fromGreenockin the north which merges to the A78 single carriageway from Largs in the south and theA770 Cloch Roadsingle carriageway road from Gourock completing the junction as the minor road.

In August 2002 a Traffic Assessment carried out found that the present junction was now near capacity and needed to be addressed. A Transportation Assessment determined that a roundabout would be the best option. Based on safety reasons it was decided a Pegasus crossing for horses should not be built on the roundabout.

ERDC won the contract against competition from five other contractors.

Amey Highways Limited has carried out detailed design of the roundabout including the realignment of the A78 north and south approaches, major earthworks to allow access to Bankfoot Farm, utility diversion works, various accommodation works and the necessary land acquisition.