Fife Council says sorry amid call to halt roadworks

Work began a day earlier than announced at the Bothwell Gardens roundabout which resulted in traffic chaos around the area.

While Fife Council bosses have since said sorry and vowed to keep disruption at a "minimum", Cllr Naz Anis-Miah, who is standing for the SNP at next month's general election, believes the local authority must now re-evaluate their plans.

"The chaos witnessed on the roads at the weekend was unacceptable and Fife Council's Labour-led administration really need to get a grip of this situation," he said.

The roadworks at Bothwell Gardens roundabout in Dunfermline have been described as chaotic. (Image: David Wardle) "I have already received lots of messages from people who are aghast at the idea of ​this level of disruption lasting until November – it is simply unsustainable.

"These works will have a major impact on local businesses, on people travelling to medical appointments and the effect on Dunfermline's tourism during the crucial summer months could also be devastating.

"I have also read some alarming reports of buses being cancelled and emergency vehicles struggling to navigate through the area, with cars having nowhere to go to let them pass."

READ MORE: Disruption on way as £650,000 roadworks scheme to start in Dunfermline

Signs at the roundabout said works were due to start yesterday (Monday) and last for 20 weeks, which would take us up to November.

However in the last few days temporary signs were put up at approach roads stating that the works would start the day before (Sunday) and last for 16 weeks. 

Cllr Anis-Miah said immediate action was needed and called for the work to be paused until a thorough reassessment of the project's impact is carried out.

All approaches to the Bothwell Gardens roundabout are affected by the works, which Fife Council say are now due to last 16 weeks rather than 20 weeks. (Image: David Wardle)

He added: "Our priority at all times must be to support our community and ensure that all necessary infrastructure improvements do not come at the expense of people's quality of life or damage the local economy."

Fife Council's head of roads and transportation services, John Mitchell, apologised for the "confusion and disruption" which took place on Sunday.

“We incorrectly advised that the Bothwell Gardens Roundabout roadworks wouldn’t be starting until Monday June 17, however, it was agreed with the contractor that they could set up the traffic management on Sunday June 16 so that the measures could be tested, and signal timings adjusted before the roadworks began today.

“I’m pleased to say that traffic moved much better during Monday morning’s busy period, and we will work with the contractor to ensure that delays are minimised as much as practicable.

"We have now updated all signs to advise that the roadworks, which have now started, will run for 16 weeks.

READ MORE: Council agree to shift site base for Bothwell Gardens roundabout works

"It should be made clear that these works have been identified as necessary to help mitigate the traffic impacts of the major housing development planned for Dunfermline over the next 20 years, comprising some 8,000 new homes and the works are being funded by developers.

Traffic cones and queues will be a common sight at Bothwell Gardens for some time to come. (Image: David Wardle)

"Whilst this improvement has been identified as critical to allow the expansion to occur, unfortunately, due to the location there will be a significant impact on the travelling public during the works.

"We would ask that people where possible consider alternative routes and allow more time for their journeys. We appreciate that there are local events during the period of the roadworks, and we will look to minimise delays as much as practicable.

“Again, I’d like to apologise for any inconvenience this has caused and thank you for your patience.”