Significant roadworks at Dundee’s Swallow Roundabout have ignited a firestorm of controversy, leaving many Perth and Kinross residents frustrated with increased commute times and safety concerns. The changes, implemented earlier this year, involved the addition of traffic signals to all approaches, an increase from two to three lanes, and new pedestrian and cycling infrastructure. These modifications were mandated as a planning condition for a substantial housing development. Understanding the Changes
The alterations transformed the previously simpler roundabout into a complex intersection controlled by traffic lights. This new configuration, while intended to improve accessibility for vehicles and pedestrians accessing the new housing development, has had unintended consequences, with major traffic congestion regularly affecting drivers travelling between Dundee and Perth.
The addition of the third lane to the A90 approaching Dundee, in both north and south directions, aimed to increase capacity and smooth traffic flow. Yet, this, coupled with the newly introduced traffic signals, has created a different set of challenges, causing significant delays during peak hours for drivers, sometimes extending to multiple miles outside the roundabout itself. Additionally, concerns remain regarding unclear lane markings and seemingly contradictory signage, adding to the overall confusion and frustration for motorists. Responsibility and Accountability
The project’s oversight was managed by a major housing developer, though the exact process by which the specific design, particularly the inclusion of traffic signals, was selected remains unclear. Although the developer maintains that the design received comprehensive review and approvals, a lack of transparency surrounding the decision-making process has exacerbated public anger. The fact that the traffic signals were supposedly mandated by Dundee City Council, despite previous warnings against isolated road improvements, adds another layer of complexity to this multifaceted issue. These previous warnings highlighted the potential for ‘piecemeal improvements’ to significantly disrupt the traffic flow.
The ongoing debate regarding the management of the roundabout’s operations is also noteworthy. The housing developer currently retains control; however, the eventual handover to Amey, the roads maintenance agency for this section of the A90, hasn’t yet taken place. This delay adds further frustration for residents already dealing with the current traffic issues. Local Voices and Actions
Local elected representatives from the Carse of Gowrie area, including Councillors Forbes and Bailey, have been highly critical of the situation and have actively sought to address the concerns of their constituents. A comprehensive survey conducted earlier this year gathered extensive feedback on the negative impacts of the changes, revealing significant increases in commute times for many residents. The results were even presented to the Scottish government’s transport secretary. Though the secretary maintained the changes were justified, they declined an offer to visit the roundabout and observe the congestion firsthand.
A subsequent safety audit, obtained via a Freedom of Information request, revealed issues that are yet to be fully addressed. This audit specifically pinpointed the ambiguity of the road markings, which were deemed potentially dangerous for drivers. Even after this critical feedback, no immediate corrective actions have been taken, prompting further calls for increased accountability. Despite ongoing monitoring of traffic flow by concerned bodies, commuters from the Perth and Kinross area continue to suffer significant delays. The Path Forward
The future of the Swallow Roundabout remains uncertain. Several solutions are under consideration, ranging from minor adjustments such as recalibrating the traffic signals and improving lane markings to more ambitious proposals such as the implementation of a bypass. These discussions, whilst offering a glimmer of hope, highlight the extensive challenges that must be overcome to resolve this major transportation issue. The situation calls for better cooperation among involved parties to find a long-term solution that effectively serves the needs of the wider community and reduces ongoing traffic disruption for commuters.
The lack of clear communication, coupled with the significant disruption to traffic flows, has fuelled public anger. As this saga unfolds, the people of Perth and Kinross will continue to demand decisive action that remedies the issues created by the changes to the Swallow Roundabout and improves the safety and accessibility of this crucial transport link.
The alterations transformed the previously simpler roundabout into a complex intersection controlled by traffic lights. This new configuration, while intended to improve accessibility for vehicles and pedestrians accessing the new housing development, has had unintended consequences, with major traffic congestion regularly affecting drivers travelling between Dundee and Perth.
The addition of the third lane to the A90 approaching Dundee, in both north and south directions, aimed to increase capacity and smooth traffic flow. Yet, this, coupled with the newly introduced traffic signals, has created a different set of challenges, causing significant delays during peak hours for drivers, sometimes extending to multiple miles outside the roundabout itself. Additionally, concerns remain regarding unclear lane markings and seemingly contradictory signage, adding to the overall confusion and frustration for motorists. Responsibility and Accountability
The project’s oversight was managed by a major housing developer, though the exact process by which the specific design, particularly the inclusion of traffic signals, was selected remains unclear. Although the developer maintains that the design received comprehensive review and approvals, a lack of transparency surrounding the decision-making process has exacerbated public anger. The fact that the traffic signals were supposedly mandated by Dundee City Council, despite previous warnings against isolated road improvements, adds another layer of complexity to this multifaceted issue. These previous warnings highlighted the potential for ‘piecemeal improvements’ to significantly disrupt the traffic flow.
The ongoing debate regarding the management of the roundabout’s operations is also noteworthy. The housing developer currently retains control; however, the eventual handover to Amey, the roads maintenance agency for this section of the A90, hasn’t yet taken place. This delay adds further frustration for residents already dealing with the current traffic issues. Local Voices and Actions
Local elected representatives from the Carse of Gowrie area, including Councillors Forbes and Bailey, have been highly critical of the situation and have actively sought to address the concerns of their constituents. A comprehensive survey conducted earlier this year gathered extensive feedback on the negative impacts of the changes, revealing significant increases in commute times for many residents. The results were even presented to the Scottish government’s transport secretary. Though the secretary maintained the changes were justified, they declined an offer to visit the roundabout and observe the congestion firsthand.
A subsequent safety audit, obtained via a Freedom of Information request, revealed issues that are yet to be fully addressed. This audit specifically pinpointed the ambiguity of the road markings, which were deemed potentially dangerous for drivers. Even after this critical feedback, no immediate corrective actions have been taken, prompting further calls for increased accountability. Despite ongoing monitoring of traffic flow by concerned bodies, commuters from the Perth and Kinross area continue to suffer significant delays. The Path Forward
The future of the Swallow Roundabout remains uncertain. Several solutions are under consideration, ranging from minor adjustments such as recalibrating the traffic signals and improving lane markings to more ambitious proposals such as the implementation of a bypass. These discussions, whilst offering a glimmer of hope, highlight the extensive challenges that must be overcome to resolve this major transportation issue. The situation calls for better cooperation among involved parties to find a long-term solution that effectively serves the needs of the wider community and reduces ongoing traffic disruption for commuters.
The lack of clear communication, coupled with the significant disruption to traffic flows, has fuelled public anger. As this saga unfolds, the people of Perth and Kinross will continue to demand decisive action that remedies the issues created by the changes to the Swallow Roundabout and improves the safety and accessibility of this crucial transport link.