Cowdenbeath 'grinding to a halt' due to roadworks

The works, which are taking place at the north end of Cowdenbeath, are part of a major upgrade of the gas network.

As a result, temporary traffic lights are in place at Kelty Junction in the town.

Cllr Watt posted to Facebook: “Once again, Cowdenbeath is grinding to a halt because of temporary traffic lights and roadworks at the north end of the town.

“The delays are beyond ridiculous and as a local myself, I know how disruptive and inconvenient these works are.

“Road users and residents understand how important it is for utility companies and contractors to carry out essential repairs, upgrades, and maintenance, however, the lack of urgency to complete the works and willingness to mitigate public inconvenience are the main issues we experience time and time again.

“Quite frankly, enough is enough and it is time for a change in approach.

“In the first instance, I will raise this directly with SGN, Fife Council's Head of Roads and Transportation, and the relevant spokesperson.”

SGN have apologised for any inconvenience caused by the works.

A spokesperson said: “SGN are currently carrying out a major upgrade of the gas network in Cowdenbeath. This work is vital to ensure a safe and reliable gas supply for local homes and businesses in the area for years to come.

“This multi-phase project is underway in the north end of the town and has unfortunately met with unforeseen circumstances which have complicated the work and caused some further delays.

“We would like to apologise for any inconvenience caused by this essential upgrade to the gas network. We are currently working flat out at full capacity to finish this latest phase of the works as soon as possible.

“We would advise all residents and motorists to plan ahead and leave extra time for your journey while the works are ongoing and to consider alternative routes through the town where possible. We are working closely with Fife Council to provide as much information and assistance as possible for the remainder of the works.”

Sara Wilson, service manager for roads network management said:  "We understand how disruptive roadworks can be. Roadworks carried out by statutory utility companies are to repair, maintain or upgrade essential infrastructure such as gas, water, electricity and telecommunications networks.

“These works are often unavoidable. Utility companies have legal rights to access the road network, and while the council does not carry out these works, we do have a coordinating role to help manage disruption. 

"The council works closely with utility providers to coordinate timing, agree traffic management arrangements and encourage early communication with residents and businesses.

“Considerable work takes place behind the scenes to minimise disruption, although we recognise this effort is not always visible and does not remove the inconvenience entirely. 

"Feedback about notice and engagement around roadworks is taken seriously.

“We raise these concerns with the company or council team responsible and use them to improve how information is shared with local communities, regardless of who is carrying out the work."