Scottish Gas Networks began the £250,000 upgrade of the pipe network in the Bonhill Road area in mid October – and just two weeks into the works drivers have already begun feeling the frustration.

Driver David Keown said: “The worst part is watching other drivers trying to bully folks into letting them in to the correct lane you have patiently waited in for 15 minutes.” David McEvoy added: “I waited in a 45 minute queue on my way to work this morning.

“Disgusting how badly managed this was on a main arterial route.” The works began just weeks after the completion of the 10-month upgrade of the Erskine Bridge, which saw commuters facing long tailbacks.

However, the project is so far running on schedule.

A spokeswoman for SGN said: “Our works in Stirling Road, estimated to take approximately three weeks in total, and are on schedule. We began our works here on Sunday, October 12. We moved on to phase two of our works on Monday, October 20.

“We are currently working in the outside (fast) lanes in Stirling Road at the junction of Round Riding Road and Garshake Road. Traffic will be able to pass our works using the inside lanes. There is no access into Round Riding Road from Stirling Road.

“All being well, we will move on to phase three of the works on Monday, October 27, working in the southbound inside lane in Stirling Road. Phase four will see us working in Garshake Road.

“Our works at Stirling Road will then be complete and we will move in to the residential Bonhill Road area.” The project is scheduled for completion in March 2015, with most of the work taking place in residential streets.

A new modern plastic polyethylene (PE) gas mains pipe, which has a minimum lifespan of around 80 years, will be laid to reinforce the gas network to meet increased demand, and ensure a continued safe and reliable gas supply to Dumbarton and surrounding areas.

Graham Otto, Scotland Gas Networks team manager, added: “We would like to apologise for inconvenience caused by our essential works. We appreciate that roadworks can be frustrating for road users we will do everything we can to minimise disruption.” “We will be working seven days a week and extended hours to complete our works as quickly as possible.”