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NU

GENStakeholder Newsletter July 2014

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636km of trunk road

25

278Employees

2000Structures

Gritters did enough winter miles to stretch to

moon and back during winter operations

TRISS attended 9000 incidents

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Russell Rennie, Contract Director

EditorialScotland TranServ has been extremely busy preparing the trunk roads network across South West Scotland as the country prepares to host thousands of visitors for the Year of Homecoming, the Commonwealth Games and the Ryder Cup. Not only do we want to create a good first impression on our visitors, but to leave a lasting legacy of road improvements for local commuters and freight drivers alike.

Through our work to improve the network we look to innovative new practices, methods and tools that help to not only make us more sustainable but also to make our routes safer for both our workers and our customers – the motoring public. We have been working in partnership with a number of organisations to drive forward this innovation and to lead our industry in the development of sustainable new methods.

We are working with communities to keep them updated on our projects and making every effort to schedule our work in order that inconvenience is kept to a minimum for local drivers. It is important to us that in supporting the economic growth and development of Scotland that we impact these vital trade arteries as little as possible.

Scotland TranServ is not only providing important advice to drivers across South West Scotland, but we are encouraging them to play a part in making our roads safer and enhancing the natural environment of our stunning country. We are providing opportunities for young people to learn about our industry and pursue careers in civil engineering as we help to develop the future road builders and infrastructure providers of the future.

This is an important time for Scotland, and one that we hope we can, by working closely with local communities, partner organisations and stakeholders, play a vital role in.

Deer, Oh Deer! Scotland TranServ has been working with Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH) to raise awareness on the issue of young deer wandering onto our trunk roads.

During the months of May and June, as the adolescent deer find their own territory, they often are unaware of the dangers presented in crossing our busy roads across the region. Latest statistics report that 7000 collisions occur between motorists and deer every year in Scotland, resulting in 60 injuries to humans and costing the Scottish economy in the region of £7million. “Many people think most accidents with deer occur on remote Highland roads; in fact 70% occur on trunk roads or motorways. Accidents are particularly high in the spring and autumn because dusk and the peak commuting times coincide. Deer are more likely to be feeding near, or on, road verges at this time.” Jamie Hammond, SNH’s South Scotland deer management officer

Useful contacts: Oatlands House, Polmadie: 0141 218 3800Network Control Centre (24/7): 0800 028 1414 Press Office (24/7): 0141 218 3838

For further informationTo share your feedback on this newsletter or for further information on the topics mentioned above, please contact communications@scotlandtranserv.co.uk.

web: www.scotlandtranserv.co.uk @ScotTranserv

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Grass Cutting in the Fast Lane

With gardeners across South West Scotland in the middle of the peak grass cutting season, please take some time to also spare a thought for Scotland TranServ’s Cyclic Maintenance teams.

Our crews maintain over 25 million square metres (25,000,000m2) of verges, the equivalent of 3500 times the size of the pitch at the Maracana World Cup Final Stadium in Brazil or 27,700 times the size of Centre Court at Wimbledon.

Malcolm Shanks, Scotland TranServ’s Operations Manager said:

“These verges are cut in varying degrees of frequency ranging from three times per year up to 14 times a year. While the standard of groundsmanship required isn’t quite up to that of the National Stadium or Centre Court, it’s still a massive area of grass to be cut. And, our teams are working with just the hard shoulder between them and cars, buses and heavy goods vehicles whizzing past at around 70mph.”

Tree-mendous Gift for Creetown Scotland TranServ’s ‘Ace’ contribution has left Kirkmabreck Community Council elated.

The south west trunk road authority recently delivered to Creetown, five replacement Acer palmatum ‘Sango-kaku’ Golden Jubilee trees to help boost the orchard area of the village’s King George V. playing fields.

The original trees were removed by a third party and the Community Council has been engaging with Scotland TranServ and Transport Scotland to get their help and support in replacing the much admired trees.

Community council vice chair Dorothy Scherrer said:

“A big thank you to everyone who has played a part in bringing the replacement Golden Jubilee trees back to our community.”

Children from Creetown Primary School planted the trees in the King George V playing field during May.

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Ready, Set, Embargo The Commonwealth Games embargo on roadworks kicks off at the end of June, with all non-essential works being held over until after the event.

Our teams are currently pulling out all the stops to complete a hectic schedule of works on time, ahead of the embargo. All Cyclic Maintenance work requiring a lane or hard shoulder closure has been specifically scheduled to avoid the time around the games. Litter picking is among the exceptions, with this vital service switched to overnight working and only in hot spot areas.

Scotland TranServ is playing an important part to create a good first impression for our visitors this summer, and to ensure that tourists, journalists and athletes leave Glasgow with a positive lasting memory of not only the games, but the people and the city.

A Postcard for D&G…Ahead of its essential A75 improvement works at Ringford recently Scotland TranServ dismissed with tradition and replaced standard notification letters with a postcard.

The simple A5 card provided local residents with all the necessary information and contact details they might need should they have any questions about the project.

Neil MacDonald, Scotland TranServ’s Deputy Planned Maintenance Manager said:

“How many times to householders receive what looks to be junk mail and simply throw it in the bin? We wanted local residents to take notice of this important information and even keep it on their fridge, a noticeboard or a letter rack, so that it was handy should they want to ask a question.”

A75 improvement project, Ringford

Scotland TranServ, on behalf of Transport Scotland will shortly be resurfacing the A75 near Ringford.

The project will get underway on Thursday the 5th of June and is expected to last around 4 weeks. This road surface is reaching the end of its operational life. Further barrier works, kerbing and white lining will also be carried out. The project will run throughout the month of June, with temporary traffic lights in operation supported by a convoy system during the week. Work will continue at

the weekends, but will involve full road closures as necessary, with diversion through Tongland.

Scotland TranServ would like to thank local drivers for their patience and co-operation while this important programme of work is carried out.

For further information please email customer.care@scotlandtranserv.co.uk or telephone 0800 028 1414.

A75 Ringford Postcard.indd 1

29/05/2014 16:15:44

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Bag It, Bin It, Take It Home!Scotland is preparing for one of the busiest tourism seasons in a generation and Scotland TranServ is calling on drivers to help make a good first impression for our visitors.

As part of its work to manage south west Scotland’s trunk roads network on behalf of Transport Scotland, our operatives collect the litter that drivers throw out of car windows or leave behind in laybys.

The Commonwealth Games, the Year of Homecoming, and the Ryder Cup will all put Scotland under the tourism microscope.

Mike Cantlay, Chairman of VisitScotland, said:

“This is the year we welcome the world, it is our chance to shine on the global stage so it is important that Scotland is looking its very best. This advice is a timely reminder that we can all play a part in ensuring that happens.”

Across the south west network last year alone Scotland TranServ operatives collected 28 tonnes of litter, that’s the equivalent weight of nearly 4 double decker buses.

Iain Gulland, Director, Zero Waste Scotland added:

“Not only does this spoil Scotland’s beautiful landscape, we are also discarding items which could be recycled. Zero Waste Scotland calculates at least £78m per year is spent on tackling litter and fly-tipping, including indirect costs to the economy, in Scotland every year.”

20Information about Transport Scotland’s 20mph speed limit trials is still available at:

www.transportscotland.gov.uk/speedlimittrials Contributors can still contact Scotland TranServ to register their comments by e-mail at,

customer.care@scotlandtranserv.co.uk.For further information please contact our Customer Care Helpline on 0800 028 1414.

Largs & Maybole Consultation ThanksScotland TranServ has thanked the communities of Largs and Maybole for providing their valuable opinions and insight at recent consultation events.

Both events received a healthy turnout, ensuring that local views were recorded and incorporated into Transport Scotland’s decision making process around the 20mph speed limit trial.

Vincent Tait, Scotland TranServ’s Road Safety Manager said:

“It was great to see so many local residents taking an active interest in road safety within their community. This is an important project and therefore it is essential that local people share their views. I’d like to thank everyone who took the time to find out more information and provide an opinion. Those still wishing to have an input can do so by contacting us by email, online or on the phone.”

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First Annual Report releasedIt has been a successful, yet challenging first year of the 4th Generation (4G) Contract for Scotland TranServ, as detailed in our Annual Report 2013/14.

Following the transfer of a large number of employees under Transfer of Undertakings (Protection of Employment) regulations (TUPE) in April 2013, we have successfully merged staff from two major companies together into one, transferring all the necessary skills, knowledge and talent necessary to run a successful, innovative trunk road maintenance and management company.

Improving D&G’s Roads for Years to Come Scotland TranServ, on behalf of Transport Scotland has completed a £1.5million programme to improve the trunk roads infrastructure across Dumfries and Galloway.

Using the innovative and sustainable Crack and Seat method, the improvement programme will deliver long-term benefits to drivers along the A75 from Annan to Dumfries through to Castle Douglas and on the A76 from Dumfries to Kilmarnock, in an efficient, sustainable manner.

Using the pioneering Crack and Seat process our project teams removed the surface layer of the road, then introduce hairline fractures into the base layer in order to allow for expansion and contraction during extreme weather conditions, thus improving the longevity of both the road base and surface. Ken Bryden, Scotland TranServ’s Network Area Manager for Dumfries & Galloway said:

“Our programme of work over the next few months is innovative, sustainable and will deliver long-term benefits to road users across the region. We’re improving road structure, surfacing and technology to keep commuters, visitors and freight traffic flowing for years to come.”

Combined the crack and seat schemes have already saved enough haulage miles to stretch from Glasgow to Tokyo.

Through the support of our parent organisations Balfour Beatty and Mouchel, and that of our client Transport Scotland we have made significant progress to manage and improve more than 630 kilometres of trunk roads network across South West Scotland.

In the year to come Scotland TranServ will look to continue this pace of change, delivering an ever improving service to the motoring public and ensuring our trunk roads network is capable of supporting the needs of a 21st century Scotland.

Our Annual Report is available for download.

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Illuminating InnovationScotland TranServ is rolling out an illuminating new innovation to help improve the health and safety of our road workers across South West Scotland.

Working with pioneering personal protective equipment supplier Fhoss, Scotland TranServ is reinventing the hi-viz wardrobe for employees working through the night on our roads, not only improving visibility, but also the safety of workers and motorists alike.

Andrew Kimitri, Fhoss CEO added:

“Following a successful trial the trunk roads operator is now ready to roll out our product to key employees. We hope other such organisations observe their use of this technology and follow a similar personal safety lead.”

Fhoss powered light safety wear will allow drivers to see our road workers from 300metres, even in harsh conditions (up to 1.5 miles in perfect conditions). The illuminating strip works by using orafol reflexite prismatic technology combined with a battery powered illuminated core. This means that unlike traditional high visibility tape, Fhoss illuminates without the need for ambient light such as vehicle headlights or street lights.

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Brazilliant opportunityAs Scotland is gripped by World Cup fever, one Scotland TranServ graduate has swapped Rio for Rutherglen and the samba for Sauchiehall Street.

Brazilian, Gustavo Alaron is kicking off a summer engineering internship at the South West’s trunk road operator, learning the silky skills that keep Scotland’s roads top of their game.

While Polmadie isn’t quite Ipanema, Gustavo is keen to kick off his career and has been learning about quality crossing at the Erskine Bridge over the last few weeks:

“Everyone at Scotland TranServ has been so friendly and I’m looking forward to learning as much as I can over the next few months. To learn from experienced engineers planning the future of some of the busiest roads in the UK is a fantastic opportunity. It is great to support everything that I have learned over the last year with hands-on, practical experience.”

Gustavo is among a number of youngsters starting out at Scotland TranServ, which operates the trunk roads network across the south west on behalf of Transport Scotland. The company will also take on a couple of new graduates and two new apprentices.

Viaduct resurfacing takes off Resurfacing work on the M8 Whitecart Viaduct has been completed, providing a vital first impression for travellers arriving in South West Scotland through Glasgow Airport.Working lane by lane to replace the worn out surfacing on both eastbound and westbound carriageways of the M8, the improved, section of motorway was completed in under a week using the innovative technology.

The project is delivering a safer, driving experience for commuters and visitors using Glasgow airport during this busy summer of events and for the years ahead.

Philippa Ayton, Scotland TranServ’s Bridges Manager said:

“This was an exciting engineering process. Because most of the surface is reconstituted it reduces the amount of waste. Normally more of the top layer would need to be removed and sent to landfill, but at Scotland TranServ we’re working hard to maintain and improve our roads network using more sustainable methods.”

The specialist roads crews resurfaced an 800m stretch each night, working a lane at a time. As well as delivering tangible benefits to local drivers. This section of the M8 is also one of the first impressions visitors to the city will get ahead of this summer’s Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games.

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Inverclyde’s ‘round’ of investmentOn behalf of Transport Scotland, Scotland TranServ is investing more than a quarter of a million pounds to improve Inverclyde’s roads.

Work on seven projects will improve the quality of the region’s roads for years to come, delivering tangible benefits for local commuters, visitors and working drivers.

Brendan O’Sullivan, Scotland TranServ’s Area Network Programme Manager said:

“This is an important programme of work to improve the trunk roads network across Inverclyde. More than £250,000 is being invested to improve the surfacing at a number of local roundabouts and important trunks roads, which have received a battering from heavy traffic levels in recent years. We have made every effort to reduce disruption to local drivers throughout, and we would like to thank them for their patience while these long-term benefits were delivered.”

Erskine Bridge Back in BusinessTraffic is running on both sides of the Erskine Bridge as the peak time restrictions put in place to allow the huge refurbishment of the crossing, were lifted ahead of schedule.

The bulk of the £6 million project, which is being carried out by Scotland TranServ and Highway Barrier Solutions on behalf of Transport Scotland is now complete.

Over the last ten months teams have undertaken carriageway repairs, and installed tower protection and new vehicle barriers in the verges and central reservation.

Transport Minister Keith Brown said:

“The Erskine Bridge is one of our busiest crossings and the Scottish Government has made this £6 million investment in its future to maintain transport links in West Central Scotland.

• A8 Cartsdyke roundabout, mid-April (overnight)• A8 Cartsburn roundabout, mid-April (overnight)• A8 Adjacent to Bay Street, Port Glasgow early May (overnight)• A8 Pottery Street, mid-May (overnight)• A8 Newark roundabout, 21-22 May (overnight)• A78 East Shaw St roundabout late summer• A78 Sir Michael St roundabout, late summer

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The projects were scheduled to avoid congestion, and included:

Droning on…The Erskine Bridge project team trialled an innovative inspection drone recently.

The device is being widely used in a number of different industries from construction and demolition to railways and roads.

Trialled by parent company Balfour Beatty, the drone has already been tested on a number of their previous jobs around the country.

It was able to access the underside of the bridge deck and supporting pillars. This is normally a complex and potentially dangerous exercise, however the 1.5m dia drone carried out its duties with ease.

“It is very satisfying to see another transport project being delivered ahead of schedule and I am sure that the many people who use the Bridge will appreciate the cones being lifted this morning.

“I know that the work has caused delays and I want to thank people for the patience shown while the work was being carried out. The result, for us all, is a safer and upgraded bridge which will serve us well in future.”

There are a number of minor works to complete such as centre line white lining and some smaller safety barrier replacements. These are being carried out during off peak times such as weekends and through the night in order to keep any further disruption to an absolute minimum.

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636km of trunk road

25

278Employees

2000Structures

Gritters did enough winter miles to stretch to

moon and back during winter operations

TRISS attended 9000 incidents

12

Balfour Beatty Civil Engineering LimitedRegistered Office: 130 Wilton Road, London, SW1V 1LQ Registered in England & Wales Number: 04482405An agent of Balfour Beatty Group Limited,130 Wilton Road, LondonSWV1 1LQRegistered in England & Wales Number: 101073

Mouchel LimitedRegistered Office: Export House, Cawsey Way,Woking, Surrey GU21 6QXRegistered in England & Wales Number:01686040

For further information: 150 Polmadie Road : Glasgow : G5 OHD : 0141 218 3800

Communications@scotlandtranserv.co.uk : www.scotlandtranserv.co.uk

Follow us @ScotTranserv