Flow of traffic to be monitored

May 22 2009 by John Woods, Irvine Herald

NORTH Ayrshire Council are finally taking action to ease the traffic jams caused by the controversial closure of the Bailey Bridge.

Frustrated motorists have been hit by lengthy delays since the bridge was closed, with the worst hot spots being Bank Street and the northern approach road, while it often takes drivers in Quarry Road almost half an hour to get from Irvine Park Bowling Club to its junction with East Road.

In addition, the mini-roundabout at the Turf corner is often seized solid as angry drivers ignore road regulations and turn it into a free-for-all.

But now NAC have started installing traffic counter strips and CCTV at the major trouble spots and are set to bring in a number of new regulations in an attempt to keep the wheels moving.

“Setting up a series of traffic counts is standard practice when major roadworks are being undertaken,” said roads boss Ronnie Small.

“There are three phases to the counts being done in connection with the Bailey Bridge replacement and these are done before the closure of the bridge; two weeks after the closure and again after three months; and finally after the replacement bridge is in place.

“Counts are conducted in key corridors to give factual information on traffic flow and we are monitoring the conditions in Marress Road, Quarry Road, Long Drive, Fullarton Street, Second Avenue, Ayr Road and Marine Drive.”

And now, as a result of information gathered so far, the following measures will be put in place as soon as possible in attempt to speed up the flow of traffic through the town centre.

A yellow box junction will be created at the Turf corner to help drivers turning right from East Road into Kilwinning Road.

The green phase on the lights at Heathfield will be changed to alter the flow of traffic coming from Kilwinning.

Temporary no waiting restrictions will be introduced on the Low Green side of Burns Street to allow a longer approach to the lights at the northern approach road for two lanes of traffic.