HELENSBURGH motorists are being warned to leave extra time for journeys to and from the Glasgow area over the next few weekends due to road works on the Erskine Bridge.

The work to replace the bearings on the south abutment of the bridge will take place between Friday night and early Monday morning on the weekends of January 31 to February 3, February 7-10, and February 14-17.

In addition, the weekend of February 21-24 has been set aside as a ‘contingency weekend’ in the event of the work over-running.

Each weekend, a single lane will be open to traffic in both directions from 8pm on Friday until midnight, and the bridge will be completely closed to traffic – except emergency vehicles – between midnight and 4am on Saturday.

The bridge will then reopen, again with a single lane in both directions, from 4am each Saturday until 6am on the Monday.

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Scotland Transerv, which is responsible for maintenance of the trunk road, says that “significant delays” are expected throughout each closure period, with diversions in place via the A82 during each of the four-hour closure periods.

The company says the bearings are original features of the bridge, and have been in place since its completion in 1971.

They are now reaching the end of their maintainable life and in need of replacement.

Peter McCann, Scotland TranServ’s major bridges manager, said: “Scotland TranServ has consulted widely in the programming of these essential works, consulting the local authority, emergency services, community groups and other key stakeholders, seeking their input in the careful and considered planning of the works.

“We are aware of the impact of the necessary overnight bridge closure, and the implementation of weekend lane closures.

“These aren’t measures we take lightly, and that is why it has taken many months for the project to be designed and consulted upon.

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“Scotland TranServ would like to take this opportunity to thank drivers and the local community for their patience while these essential works are carried out.”

Live trunk road information can be found at trafficscotland.orgor by following @trafficscotland on Twitter.

An overnight diversion map and additional information will be available on the Scotland TranServ website nearer the start of the proposed project.

Kefa Gacura, Scotland TranServ’s Bridges Manager added: “Where possible, it is Scotland TranServ’s aim to deliver these tangible, long-term benefits to commuters, businesses and tourists visiting our area, with maximum efficiency and minimal disruption throughout.

“Our teams are coordinating works in consultation with a number of authorities and stakeholders, balancing the need to maintain our trunk roads with the necessity to keep South West Scotland moving.”

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