Potholes appear in Rutherglen and Cambuslang after big freeze

Feb 3 2010 by Kenny Smith, Rutherglen Reformer

Potholes appear after big freeze

SOUTH Lanarkshire Council have been left counting the cost of damage to Rutherglen and Cambuslang’s roads and pavements following the recent big freeze.

Following weeks of freezing weather, some roads and walkways are now in a terrible condition

The biggest problems across the towns seem to be potholes in the roads and uneven pavements, posing dangers for drivers and pedestrians alike.

When the snow and ice began to thaw, it caused roads and footways to ‘heave’.

The surface lifted and cracked as a result of water in the subsoil below freezing and then expanding.

However, many roads in the area are not being affected, with South Lanarkshire Council having recently resurfaced them.

In April 2008, the council announced they had set aside an additional £16.38 million to carry out vital upgrade works on the road network in the Rutherglen and Cambuslang area, which was in addition to the current roads budget.

They announced they would also spend millions improving footpaths across the whole local authority area up to 2016, as part of their Roads and Rural Investment Plan.

Now, South Lanarkshire Council’s roads teams are being sent out to assess the damage in all areas.

When they come across a pothole, they will carry out the necessary repairs to make the situation safe.

The council have issued a contact number for those people in the local area who wish to report potholes to them.

A spokesperson for South Lanarkshire Council said: “A number of roads and footways throughout the area have suffered damage over the past few weeks because of the freezing weather.

“The conditions we have experienced means roads and footways ‘heave’ – the surfacing lifts, often cracking, as a result of water in the subsoil below freezing and expanding.

“We are currently sending teams out to assess the damage in all areas and when they come across a pothole they will carry out the necessary repairs to make the situation safe.

“The vast majority of our roads workforce are dealing with potholes as the weather conditions have now improved.

“However, we welcome feedback from the public who should call 0800 242 024 to report any potholes they see.”