The A70 Lanark Road, the main street in Carstairs, is set to be closed for 12 days during March to allow infrastructure works to improve local provision for cyclists and pedestrians by constructing measures to encourage slower vehicle speeds through the village.

The works will cover the A70 from the Columbie Junction, where it meets the A721 to the north of the village, to the southern end of Carstairs (just past Newhouse Court). They will get underway on Monday 7 March at 7am and are scheduled to be completed by 6pm on Friday 18 March.

The project, costing around £98,000, will see construction of carriageway build outs narrowing the road, and creating pedestrian crossing points with traffic islands to maintain the separation between the cycle path and vehicle lane. There will also be new lining and signing, creation of a shared space on School Road, and construction of a footway extension from Columbie Junction.

No motor vehicles (except those engaged in the work and emergency service vehicles) will be able to park or drive on the road during this time.

A signed diversion route will be in place via the A721, A706, and A70

South Lanarkshire Council Head of Roads and Transportation Colin Park said: “These works will take a little under two weeks and we are aware of the disruption that the road closure will cause during that period, however we are confident the long-term benefits will be worth it.

“This project will support active travel for the village community and for visitors. It will also contribute to improving safety, encourage exercise, reduce pollution and enhance community life.”

Local access to homes and businesses will be maintained throughout the period of the works.