Building Briefs - July 18th

UK construction output for May was “disappointing” as Brexit fears delayed building projects, according to new figures from the Office of National Statistics.

The ONS said there was a 2.1 per cent decline in construction compared with April 2016, with all new work and repair and maintenance reporting decreases, falling by 2.6 per cent and 1.4 per cent respectively.

Howard Archer, chief European & UK economist for risk analyst IHS Global Insight, said: “It is evident that the construction sector was hit appreciably by increased caution among clients (especially for major projects) as the run-up to the referendum on EU membership magnified UK and global economic uncertainties. This raises serious concerns as to just how much the construction sector will be hampered by Brexit.”

He added: “The government will be particularly disappointed to see housebuilding fell 3.2% - as it is looking to address the UK’s acute housing shortage.”

Fresh closures as work continues on £745m Aberdeen road project

Aberdeen Western Peripheral Route contractor, Connect Roads, has announced it will close the existing A90/Eigie Road junction at the south of Balmedie to allow the new Balmedie Junction to be built.

Work is continuing on the £745 million Aberdeen Western Peripheral Route / Balmedie to Tipperty (AWPR/B-T) project, which, once complete, will link the A90 and Eigie Road through an underpass beneath the A90, removing the need for right turns across oncoming traffic.

The road closure is to begin on 18 July. In order to carry out the work safely, temporary traffic signals will be installed.

An AWPR/B-T spokesperson said: “AWPR/B-T project works have been ongoing at Balmedie but the changes, which are about to take place, are the most significant to date.

“We strongly advise road users to plan their routes before they set off on their journey. Drivers need to be aware that the existing A90/Eigie Road junction will be closed while works are progressing, and of the necessary measures in place at the A90/Old Road junction.”

Glasgow museum closed over roof stability issues

A Glasgow museum has been forced to close after stability issues were discovered in the building’s roof.

It was announced that the Winter Gardens in Glasgow Green will remain closed until further notice after a glass panel in the roof failed unexpectedly.

Work is underway to investigate the matter and to appoint a specialist contractor for repairs.

The council has said this process is likely to take a number of weeks.

A spokesperson said: “It is unfortunate that we have had to close the Winter Gardens so unexpectedly but the safety of our staff and the public must be our priority.

“Until we have a more accurate picture of the condition of the structure I’m afraid the Winter Gardens will remain closed.”

Closures as M8 lighting inspections begin

Scotland TranServ is to begin inspection works this month on high mast lighting on the M8 motorway in Glasgow.

The company will begin assessing the condition of lighting at Junction 22 from today.

Investigations are to take place between 10pm – 6am each night until Thursday, 21 July. In order to carry out the work safely, a full closure of the M8 eastbound from Junction 22 to Junction 20 will be implemented.

There will also be a total closure of the eastbound onslips at Junctions 24 and 23 of the M8. Diversions will be in place.

Scotland TranServ’s operating company representative, Andy Fraser, said: “In order to carry out this work safely, a full closure must be implemented during working hours to protect not only our workforce but also road users.

“We have also programmed the works overnight when traffic flows are lighter, ensuring minimal disruption.”