Residents in the Boreland area were left surprised after an emergency road closure was announced ‘out of the blue’ for the C81a, to Corrie Common.
It was imposed by Dumfries and Galloway Council last Friday due to a damaged road surface.
Annandale North Councillor Stephen Thompson is keeping a close eye on the developing situation and said: “It was very concerning to residents that the road has been closed at such short notice. I’d contacted council roads officers when I was made aware and they are taking steps to minimise vehicle access until necessary repairs can be carried out as quickly as possible. They had also assured me that local access is still available.
“It seems that development related to Crossdykes windfarm has impacted on the roads beyond the council’s current capacity. The best way for this to be managed and prevent future closures is for the developer, contractors and council to make sure everyone’s on the same page as to when significant activity is taking place so the relevant approvals, traffic management, and repair works can be in place.
“The council wants to keep roads safe and open but there is a lot of pressure on our rural infrastructure with heavy vehicles and large developments that need to be managed over prolonged periods.”
However, North Milk community councillor Frank Carruthers said the windfarm developers have a good track record and always forewarn the community about heavy loads and have not been subject to any negative feedback from residents.
Furthermore, he has also been alerted by them to a series of 14 full width overlays that require to be carried out at various points between Corrie and Boreland and will result in more disruption and closures in September.
Meanwhile, a nine week road closure kicked off this week on the B722 in Eaglesfield.
It is necessary to address persistent failings at the junction near the Post Office but it has effectively cut the village in two, with no through access to either end.
Council bosses have released a video explaining what they are doing on site and why it will take so long. Full story, page four.
