Worries over Comrie railway bridge

Jan 29 2010 by Katy Gordon, Strathearn Herald

CONSERVATIVE MSP for Mid Scotland and Fife, Liz Smith and Gerald Michaluk, Conservative candidate for Ochil and South Perthshire have called on Perth and Kinross Council and TranServ to provide an urgent update on the timescale for work to repair the A85 road at Comrie Railway bridge.

Following concerns expressed by local residents that the work required to strengthen the bridge and repair the road surface has been delayed, the two politicians have written to Perth and Kinross Council and to TranServ asking for details of when the work will start and when it is expected to finish.

Liz Smith, Conservative MSP for Mid Scotland and Fife said: “Temporary traffic lights have been in place at the bridge since November of last year yet little work has been carried out. Some residents seem to think it may not be possible to start the work before April which I sincerely hope is not the case.

“This is a very busy trunk road which carries many heavy vehicles and it is important this repair can be completed as soon as possible.

“Gerald and I have, today, written to Perth and Kinross Council and TranServ to ask for an update on the work as well as a timetable to when local residents can expect the work on the bridge to be completed.”

Gerald Michaluk, Conservative Candidate for Ochil and South Perthshire added: “This situation is totally unacceptable and must be addressed as a matter of urgency. To make matters worse, the harsh winter weather has created a number of serious potholes. These have just got bigger as cars waiting at the lights have had to pull further into the side of the road to allow one-way traffic to pass.”

A spokesperson for Scotland Transerv said: “Following consultation with the local community council and to protect the structural integrity of the bridge Traffic Management was installed in November 2009.

“Weather and associated issues has delayed the planned start but work will begin on Monday 1st February and conclude in early April 2010.”