REPAIRING a damaged, rural road in Annandale cost £1.4 million, it has emerged.
The C61a in Waterbeck finally reopened last month after being subject to an emergency road closure by Dumfries and Galloway Council for FIVE years.
And now council papers have revealed the final pricetag for the work, which was subject to lengthy delays.
In a report for councillors, officials wrote: “The final estimated cost of this project, at £1,402K, has increased over recent years due to inflationary cost effects and further carriageway deterioration extending the works required.
“The works cost were partly funded by Scottish Power Energy Networks following the conclusion of a negotiation to cover the costs of a failed utility excavation in the carriageway. Work to finalise this project will continue into 2024/25.”
Meanwhile, it has also emerged that roads chiefs are putting a temporary weight limit on the newly fixed road.
Explaining more, a council spokesman said: “A temporary Traffic Regulation Order for an environmental weight restriction of 18tonnes will come into effect in the coming weeks.
“This restriction is to protect and preserve the integrity and condition of the C61a.
“Environmental weight restrictions are used throughout the region to prevent unsuitable heavy goods vehicles from using minor roads, to reduce potential damage to the road infrastructure and to protect the character and environment of rural areas and villages.”
But officials confirmed that villagers in Waterbeck have not been consulted on the new weight limit, with the spokesperson saying: “As this is a temporary Traffic Regulation Order, there is no public consultation planned at this stage.
“We are liaising directly with Grange Quarry and will meet with other key local stakeholders, including the community council, in advance of implementing the temporary weight restriction.
“Should the temporary order prove successful, we will then consult on making the change permanent.”
Meanwhile, community councillors have been told that an “informal” one-way system is also being proposed on the C61a for heavy traffic, along with the erection of ‘quarry directional signage’ in the area.
They have asked for a meeting with officials to discuss the moves and any future changes.
