THE CONTRACTORS behind weeks of upcoming traffic chaos at a busy Dundee roundabout have been forced into a grovelling apology after issuing a dud number for a key information hotline.

Drivers are set for four weeks of mayhem on the Forfar Road when a major upgrade at the Claverhouse Roundabout, where it meets Fountainbleau Drive, begins next week.

But Malcolm Construction Services admitted last night that the freephone number given to motorists was wrong.

A spokesperson apologised for the confusion, saying the digits printed on a guidance booklet were mistyped.

The erroneous number given was for a vehicle breakdown service. The correct number to dial is 0800 587 8906.

The roadworks start on Monday and will require the closure of the outside, northbound lane of Forfar Road as it approaches the roundabout south of the Kingsway, to create a new filter lane to manage traffic on the approach to the new, multi-million pound Morrisons superstore being built on the former site of Linlathen High School.

A Malcolm spokesperson explained, “The number was wrong by one digit. There is also a big sign going up on the circuit with the telephone number on it.”

The work is set to cause major disruption for all northbound traffic as the outside lane will be closed and the area will be restricted to 30mph. Both southbound lanes will remain open throughout.

Malcolm say the lane closures are required for “safety reasons,” as the work will entail reconstruction and protection works to the main fibre optic supply routes north.

The existing BT manholes also require reinforcing. The excavations for these works will be up to three meters deep—hence the need for the safety zone.

The excavations will be further protected by a temporary barrier. This upgrade is required so the new right turn filter lane can be constructed for the junction.

Jim McAllister, operations manager for Malcolm Construction Services, said, “We had hoped to do this work off-peak but BT need to dig three-metre deep ditches so from a safety point of view we have to close part of the road.

“We don’t think the Kingsway will be affected as there are several other routes that people can take.

“Unfortunately we won’t know the extent of the disruption or the length of delays until we start work.”