Local businesses are calling for better communication as roadworks across Dundee continue to cause disruption.
Temporary traffic lights on Dura Street for gas works and diversions on Riverside Drive are causing some of the biggest headaches for drivers – and there are more problems on the way with work scheduled in Constitution Street later this month.
Businesses say they recognise the need for road maintenance, but say more could be done to help them plan and prepare.
Wendy Sturroch, owner of Forte’s Cafe on Dura Street, said: “We didn’t get notification for any work. This has happened before when we came in and there was roadworks in place. It’s a nuisance.
“It is detrimental to business as a lot of our customers are elderly or disabled and they can’t get here when they can’t get parked or dropped off in the area.
“They aren’t giving any thought to facilities — they’re just wanting to get the work done. People living in the area are getting fed up. But what can we do about it?
“I know the work needs to get done, but to not give us any word about it beforehand is very frustrating.”
A member of staff at Dura Street’s Head First@Room 39 salon said: “My shop was a mess because of the dust.”
The worker, who asked not to be named, added: “I’ve had to clean my shop three or four times a day. I needed to get the mop and bucket out, not just a quick clean, it was that bad.”
Graeme Stephen, chairman of the Dundee Taxi Association, said: “The traffic on Dura Street has been outrageous. For such a small bit of road they are working on there is a lot of tailbacks.
“Drivers are taking back roads to try to dodge it. We’re having to wait for the lights to change two or three times before we get through. It’s affecting our business and our ability to get to jobs on time.
“Riverside Drive isn’t as bad, but during rush time there is a bit of a delay.
“There’s been quite a lot of roadworks over the past six months … but we weren’t told about the work on Dura Street ahead of it happening.”
There are further road closures ahead in Constitution Street as part of a £5 million mains upgrade carried out by Caledonia Water Alliance on behalf of Scottish Water.
The work will start on November 20 and is expected to be completed in about four weeks. The work is being carried out between Drummond Street and Hilltown, and will involve two separate road closures lasting approximately two weeks each.
Clive Duncan, Scottish Water communications adviser, said: “This essential work is being carried out to ensure the people of Dundee can continue to enjoy clear, fresh drinking water long into the future. We would like to thank customers for their patience and understanding while we carry out these essential works.”
Bradley Barlow, spokesman for gas distribution network company SGN, said: “We are now in the final stages of a new gas connection for a customer. While we always do our best to keep customers informed where necessary, we appreciate that roadworks can be frustrating, and apologise to residents and road users for any inconvenience caused.”
