Building Briefs – November 3

New speed limit for Queensferry Crossing

The current 40 mph speed limit restrictions on the new Queensferry Crossing are set to be raised to 50 mph ahead of Monday morning’s peak as part of the ongoing, phased introduction of the managed crossing strategy across the Forth.

The current 40 mph speed limit has been in place for driver and worker safety during construction of the bridge and tie-ins with the road network and existing Forth Road Bridge (FRB). As these works reach their final phases, the limit on the M90 across the Forth can now be safely raised to 50 mph between Scotstoun in the south and Admiralty in the north.

This follows the first stage of reopening the FRB for public transport use last month. Scheduled public buses began using the older bridge on October 13 and the necessary works to allow other buses, taxis and motorcycles to join them on the FRB are nearing completion. Finally, full motorway and public transport corridor regulations are expected to come into force later in the year.

Once the new bridge is a fully operational motorway, the speed limit will be 70 mph, apart from when the variable mandatory speed limit is in place, as dictated by the Intelligent Transport System. The normal statutory processes are underway to allow the bridge to move to motorway status and successful completion of the Roads Orders will conclude the required formalities.

Transport Scotland Traffic Scotland, Amey and Forth Bridges Operating Company and continue to monitor the performance of the new bridge, surrounding roads and adjoining junctions. Although the unusual opening tourist traffic has now subsided, with volumes and journey times returning to more usual levels, the new arrangements are still bedding in and are being kept under review.

Traffic Scotland Operator Manager, Stein Connelly said: “The new 50 mph speed limit on the Queensferry Crossing will be in place for the Monday morning peak and drivers will be advised by our signs on the approach roads.

“As always, we would urge road users to be aware of the change and take care as they get used to the new limit. Traffic Scotland will have all of the latest real-time travel information on our mobile site , twitter feed and radio.”

CCG Asset Management Commence contract with East Lothian Council

CCG Asset Management has commenced Phase 2 of a Planned Maintenance Project on behalf of East Lothian Council.

The works include new kitchen and bathrooms, as well as heating, rewiring, and decoration to 19 properties throughout the East Lothian area.

The contract was directly awarded through the Scottish Procurement Alliance (SPA) KB3 Workstream 1 Framework, a procurement route that offers public sector organisations quick and efficient access to contractors that are competitively priced, assured of quality, and can give delivery period and service level guarantees.

CCG Asset Management Manager, Stephen Riley, said: “We are delighted to have been awarded a second phase of this contract by East Lothian Council. Phase 1 of the contract was hugely successful: the AM site team completed 16 property upgrades. Now, with Phase 2, we will continue our approach to working as efficiently and effectively as possible whilst maintaining the highest quality standard.”

Douglas Proudfoot, head of development at East Lothian Council, said: “We are pleased to be working with CCG Asset Management to upgrade second hand properties which have been purchased on the open market to provide much needed homes.”

Hillcrest Housing Association will complete a £4 million development of 40 homes in Dundee by next October.

Councillors have approved the final part of the project – four semi-detached properties on the Eliza Street site, separate from the other 36 properties.

However, it was approved subject to the conditions that Scottish Waterapproves the proposed drainage system and that all gates for the homes open inwards.

A spokesperson for the Association said: “I can confirm that work on our development at Eliza Street has started. The project completion date is the end of October 2018.”

Ogilvie Construction began work on the flats during the summer, each of which have three bedrooms and more than 50 square metres of garden, and will be built to the Greener Homes Innovation Scheme.