Weekend Travel

[CaleyD]

May be useful to some travelling to the Ayr game this weekend.....

NEWS RELEASE NEWS RELEASE NEWS RELEASE

M8: KINGSTON BRIDGE TO PLANTATION

FOOTBALL FANS URGED TO CONSIDER TRAVEL PLANS

Football fans travelling to watch Rangers v Hibernian this weekend (Saturday 24 October) are urged to leave early for the match at Ibrox stadium as major roadworks resume on the M8 motorway this weekend. Approximately 45,000 fans are expected to descend on Govan and a very large number of these will require to negotiate the works to get there.

Essential maintenance works to resurface a one mile section of the M8 kicked off last weekend (Friday 16 October) between Kingston Bridge and Plantation. The ?1.15m project involves major traffic management restrictions each weekend and every night overnight (10pm to 6am) until mid November.

Two lanes in each direction will remain open in each direction at all times throughout the works on the busiest section of motorway in Scotland. Maximum delays during last weekend which was the first weekend of the job were in the region of 40 minutes therefore Amey is appealing to football fans, particularly those travelling from Edinburgh and the East to plan ahead.

This section of the M8 is used by 130,000 vehicles every day and the east and westbound carriageways have become worn over time. Amey, working on behalf of Transport Scotland, is resurfacing this stretch of the network to ensure it operates safely for years to come.

The work is deliberately programmed for weekends and overnights only, which are generally quieter on the network, but delays are unavoidable. Drivers should observe the 40mph speed limit to ensure the safety of both drivers and the operational staff on-site during the works.

Road users can keep up to date with the progress of the works by following Amey on twitter www.twitter.com/AmeySouthWest allowing them to make informed decisions about their journey planning.

Colin Mackenzie, unit manager for Amey who have designed and will manage the project said:

"We take full consideration of events taking place when programming works, however sometimes it is unavoidable that our works coincide with the likes of football matches. We liaise with the police, the clubs themselves, and the media to help get the message to fans so that they don't miss the start of the match.

"Football fans should take the works into consideration when planning their journey to get to the game."

A spokesman for Rangers football club said:

"Fans attending Saturday afternoons match against Hibernian should plan their route well in advance as serious congestion is expected. They should also leave plenty of extra time to ensure that they get through the roadworks and get parked and into their seat in the stadium in time for kick off."

Chief Inspector Stewart Carle from Strathclyde Police said:

"The Road Policing Department will have additional patrols on duty to deal quickly with any breakdowns or crashes that occur on the motorway, but we urge motorists to 'keep the head' and be patient on what will unavoidably be a very busy route. Help us reduce vehicle breakdowns by ensuring your vehicle is fit for the journey ahead and has plenty of fuel, water etc. If possible please consider car-share or park and ride alternatives.

"Similarly, people travelling to Glasgow Airport should allow extra time for their journey via the M8 Motorway - don't miss your flight.

"Finally, please tune in to the traffic reports on the radio so that you are kept informed of any developing delays and diversion routes."

More information on the scheme and updates on lane closures and other traffic management measures during the works are available from the Traffic Scotland website at www.trafficscotland.org. Alternatively to find out about public transport options visit

www.traveline.org.uk

Amey urge drivers to take a 'Cone Sense, Common Sense' approach to roadworks:

• Keep to the speed limit: it has been implemented not only for your safety but for the workforce's too. Speeding vehicles are a serious threat to staff
  
• Concentrate on the road ahead, not the roadworks
  
• Be alert for roadworks traffic and personnel leaving or entering the safety managed roadworks site
  
• Keep a safe distance ? there could be queues in front
  
• Observe all signs ? they are there to help you
  
• Get into the correct lane in good time ? don't keep switching
  

-ends- 21 October, 2009

For further information, please contact:

Amey, Scottish Trunk Roads Press Office, 24hrs, Tel 0141 781 6995