Upgrade for accident black spot

http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/rss/-/1/hi/scotland/glasgow_and_west/7716249.stm

Version 0 of 1.

A road in South Lanarkshire with an accident rate 50% higher than the national average is to close to allow vital safety improvements to be made.

In the past three years there have been three serious and 14 minor accidents on A723 between Hamilton and Strathaven.

South Lanarkshire Council is spending around £850, 000 on measures including anti-skid surfacing, and better signing in a bid to prevent future crashes.

The road will be closed from 8 to 24 November while the work is carried out.

Councillor Chris Thompson, chair of the enterprise resources committee, said: "These improvements are part of the council's £2.1m Route Action Plan programme for 2008/09.

"This will see seven of the most dangerous roads in South Lanarkshire benefiting from a range of safety measures."

Alternative routes

He added: "While the improvements to the A723 will cause some difficulties for local residents it is hoped they will understand that the safety improvements will justify any temporary inconvenience.

"We would like to apologise in advance for any delays and ask the public to take note of the alternative routes which will be clearly signposted."

Diversions will be via the A71 and A72.