Councillors have claimed it’s “only a matter of time” before someone is seriously injured or killed at a major Dundee roundabout amid upgrade delays.
Improvements to the A90’s Swallow roundabout near Invergowrie have been delayed until next year, despite both Perth and Dundee councils agreeing the work is desperately needed.
The large increase in traffic has been caused by the Western Gateway development, where around 600 houses have been built.
It adds to the large volume of traffic joining the Kingsway from the south and leaving Dundee towards Perth.
The company behind the development, Springfield Properties, wants to increase the number of lanes on the roundabout, which borders Perth and Kinross and Dundee council areas, as well as adding traffic lights to ease vehicle flow.
Dundee Labour councillors Charlie Malone and Michael Marra say near misses are becoming more frequent as the new homes are built.
Mr Malone said: “These near misses are now a daily occurrence. It feels that it is a matter of time before someone is seriously injured or worse.
“The speed of the traffic coming into Dundee from the Perth dual carriageway leaves very few opportunities for cars to exit from the western gateway road.
“With more and more traffic using that road as ever more houses are built, the problem is getting worse. We are now being contacted frequently by constituents concerned for the safety of others and themselves.”
Up to 1300 homes could eventually be built in the area, centring around the new Dykes of Gray village.
Discussions over a new school for children living in the area are also ongoing. A joint campus for the three bordering council areas has been mooted but Angus Council is hesitant to commit to the idea.
Mr Marra said: “The delays in the planned upgrades to the roundabout have to come to an end.
“We have met with the developers and with council officers in recent months and have spoken with them again over the last few days.
“There have been hold-ups due to land ownership issues and progress has been slow.
“Springfield Homes want to get the situation sorted but it now looks like it will be early in the new year before the works commence.
“In the meantime we will be asking police if it is possible to monitor the roundabout at peak times.
“With autumn not far around the corner and weather worsening the conditions will only become more hazardous.”
A spokesperson for Dundee City Council said: “We are aware of the ongoing issue at Swallow Hotel roundabout.
“We will continue to support Springfield Properties where possible, as they deliver the improvement works to the roundabout as part of their development in the area.”
Springfield Properties central managing director, Peter Matthews, said: “We are working closely with Dundee City Council and Transport Scotland to improve the functionality of the Swallow Roundabout.
“Springfield are currently in the process of refining these designs which, unfortunately, is taking slightly longer than anticipated.
“Once the designs are finalised, we will start work on the roundabout. This is likely to be the start of next year.”
A Transport Scotland spokesperson said: “We are in discussion with Springfield Developments and Dundee City Council regarding approvals for improvements to Swallow Roundabout which will support approved development in the Western Gateway area of Dundee.
“The completion of the works is a matter for the developer to take forward in accordance with the requirements of the planning consent granted by the Council in its role as planning authority.
“We look forward to continuing working with both Springfield Developments and the Council in the delivery of the mitigation at the roundabout and allow development to proceed.”
