By Alan Wilson

The section of Nethergate between South Tay Street and West Marketgait in Dundee is to be closed for three months for essential gas pipe maintenance only a few weeks after completion of environmental improvements.

That work saw the road closed for six weeks over January and February, followed by another lengthy period of severe traffic disruption which only ended last month.

Then Scottish Water began carrying out pipe replacement in the same area, which caused consternation among traders and residents, who have been blighted with major repairs and disruption over the past few years.

Now they face further problems with the section of road closed for 12 weeks from July 25.

Preparatory work will begin a week earlier on July 18.

One shop-owner said he was outraged that the road would once again be dug up after the whole area was resurfaced and new slabs put down for what the council called “environmental improvements.”

“This is a ridiculous situation. We’ve had never-ending roadworks in this street and it’s time these companies and the council got their act together so that the work can be done at the same time.

“Surely it’s common sense not to dig up recently-laid surfaces that have been put down to enhance the street.

“We’ve had to put up with months and months of roadworks, traffic jams and noise here. It’s definitely affected my trade, and the customers have been complaining about it, wondering when it’s all going to end.

“Now the gas board are telling us they are about to dig up the road again and close it for 12 weeks for essential maintenance.

“Nobody can tell me that they don’t plan their maintenance well in advance. They should have had this programmed in with the council so that the work was done at the same time.”

Despite the criticism, gas pipeline operator Scotland Gas Networks (SGN) say they always liaise with the city council before commencing work, and try to co-ordinate the work with other utilities, where possible.

A spokeswoman for Scotland Gas Networks said, “Our maintenance work is risk-based, which takes into consideration the age and condition of gas pipes.

“We did speak to the council throughout the planning for this project and managed to get some slabbing work on the pavements stopped while we carried out maintenance work on the pipes there.

“We have also been in touch with the traders explaining the repair work that is taking place.”

A council spokesman said, “The council did consult with the utility companies to advise them that we would be carrying out the work on that area but there was no feed-back from them at that time.

“The companies have a statutory right to carry out work on roads and pavements, and when we were informed of their plans we ensured it was programmed together to try to minimise disruption to the public.”

Temporary traffic lights are to be installed at the foot of South Tay Street and Nethergate, and traffic will be diverted via Hawkhill.

However, the company stresses that access to all properties and businesses will be maintained throughout.

George Sivewright, network officer for SGN, said, “We have liaised closely with Dundee City Council and traffic police.

“In addition to our works the council has asked Scottish Water to programme water mains renewal in Nethergate and Perth Road.

“There are also works to be carried out at the junction of Nethergate and West Marketgait related to the realignment of South Marketgait.

“It is hoped that by carrying out these works at the same time this will minimise the overall disruption for the public. We appreciate that these essential works will mean some inconvenience and we would like to apologise for this and thank people for their patience and co-operation.”

SGN is the name of the new company formed following the sale of the Scotland and South of England gas distribution networks by Transco.