West Lothian roads are set to undergo tree felling work, leading to traffic control or partial road closures lasting between one to four days. The tree felling is a response to Ash Dieback on minor roads around Linlithgow, causing disruption over the next two months. West Lothian’s countryside officers have organised a felling programme across various sites from Eccelesmachan to Bathgate, affecting mainly B and C roads that are crucial routes for locals travelling to and from Linlithgow.
One of the impacted routes includes the C19 route from Beecraigs to Dechmont, which will be closed for four days starting from Monday, January 13. The tree felling will commence at the B9080 at Kingscavil on December 2, with a total of seven sites surrounding Linlithgow scheduled for work starting next week. The council’s Trees and Woodland Team conducted a cyclical Ash Dieback survey from July to September, re-evaluating over 5000 trees on B, C and U roads as well as in open space and urban areas to assess the disease’s progression.
Felling and safety operations began in mid-October in open space and urban regions, followed by roadside work planned for the winter months. West Lothian Council remains vigilant in surveying and monitoring ash trees on both council-owned and privately-owned land, particularly those posing a risk to council assets due to their proximity. The council undertakes tree surveying primarily in the summer, with recent surveys covering the entire adopted road network.
Updates on the tree felling work can be found on the council’s website as the programme progresses. The council’s ongoing efforts aim to ensure public safety and the management of affected trees amidst the threat of Ash Dieback in the region. Residents are encouraged to stay informed about road closures and traffic management measures during the tree felling period to minimise inconvenience and ensure smooth traffic flow throughout the affected areas.
In summary, West Lothian roads in the Linlithgow area will experience disruptions due to tree felling work to address the Ash Dieback issue. The felling programme will involve traffic control or partial road closures lasting between one to four days on various B and C roads critical for local transportation. The council’s proactive approach in surveying and managing affected ash trees underscores its commitment to public safety and environmental conservation.
Insights:
The article highlights the proactive measures taken by West Lothian Council to address the threat of Ash Dieback on local roads. Tree felling is essential to prevent the spread of the disease and ensure public safety. The coordinated approach to surveying, monitoring, and felling trees demonstrates a commitment to environmental conservation and sustainable land management practices. Residents are reminded to stay informed about road closures and traffic disruptions to plan their journeys accordingly.