Drivers diverted through residential areas due to Great Western Road closure

Drivers travelling along Great Western Road are being forced to follow diversions through residential areas of Drumchapel as a result of controversial road closures.

The Road Works Scotland website highlights that a section of Great Western Road, near the Drumry Road roundabout, was closed from June 15 for 11 days to allow works to be carried out.

Since the closure, Drumchapel councillor Paul Carey (BEM) says he has been inundated with complaints that substantial volumes of traffic, including lorries, trucks and HGVs, are being diverted through residential areas of Drumchapel, passing the local primary school.

It is understood that West Dunbartonshire Council and Glasgow City Council had agreed that, following an initial full closure over the bank holiday weekend, a contraflow system would be introduced to maintain one lane of traffic in each direction while works continued.

However, councillor Carey has been informed that West Dunbartonshire Council was unable to implement the contraflow arrangement.

This has resulted in congestion on Drumry Road East and surrounding routes, causing substantial delays, increased journey times, disruption to public transport, and frustration for residents and businesses.

Councillor Carey has also raised concerns over potential environmental consequences arising from prolonged vehicle idling and diverted traffic.

Speaking about the issue, councillor Carey, said: “It is utter chaos.

“That road leads to Argyle and Bute and Loch Lomond and they have diverted this traffic into Drumchapel, to drive by primary schools.

“People are going off their heads. West Dunbartonshire had a deal with Glasgow that they would keep one part of the road closed and keep the rest of the traffic flowing.

“They decided at the last minute to shut it all off and divert people through Drumchapel. Every tourist bus heading towards Loch Lomond, Argyle and Bute and Loch Lomond is all being diverted via Antonine Primary School.

“I have emailed the Roads Commissioner about this, who says they are going to investigate the situation.

“It is affecting everyone, residents who can’t get to the shops, businesses and commuters.”

The neighbouring local authorities say they are aware of the situation, and steps have been taken to keep traffic disruption to a minimum.

A spokesman for Glasgow City Council said: “We are aware of these works and have taken steps to improve the diversion routes inside the Glasgow boundary to lessen the impact of diverted traffic on local roads as far as possible.

“We have been advised that the work will now finish this Sunday.”

A West Dunbartonshire spokeswoman added: “The safety of site operatives and road users is of paramount importance.

“An on-site review of the planned traffic management was undertaken in advance of the works commencing which identified that the crossover point was unsuitable for long HGV vehicles.

“This section of road was closed for health and safety reasons and information was shared immediately.”