A701/A702 (not really MS but in a quandary)

scotti

We are hoping to travel Christmas eve from the south and will need to take either A701/A702 to cut across to Edinburgh.

Have been on traffic Scotland site but have been unable to determine condition of either of these roads.

Would anyone who has info on either the Moffat or Biggar route into Edinburgh kindly share their experience on the current conditions of either of these 2 routes.

With many thanks in advance,

scotti

Bean_Counter

There are a couple of traffic cameras on the A702 at the Edinburgh which you can see using this link. Just zoom in to the correct area of the map.

I don't drive the road myself, but as far as I can tell from driving round the central belt, all the main roads are open and fine. Look at this link to see to see for any other road closures nearer the time. Barring significant further snow falls, I would expect the roads to be fine.

Jemma1

Biggar route from Abington into Edinburgh was ok on Monday. A little snow on the hills, snow the closer you got to Edinburgh on the road sides but that was about it nothing to worry about. Road was very busy lots of lorries and vans.

scot88

Having driven both of those roads frequently in past winters , I would think the biggar road is your best bet. thw moffat road is not he easiest road to drive if you don't know it. Where you coming from/to ?

slbhill

Definitely take the A702, no contest. It's the main road, it's a trunk road (maintained by Transport Scotland instead of the various councils) and it is the main signposted route, gritted before almost anything else. I've seen the A701 shut for days at a time for landslips on occasion, it's much lower priority.

However, if you're coming up the M6 & M74 to head to Edinburgh and the weather is particularly bad - keep going until you hit signs for the M8 and come across that way instead. It's not as nice usually, and more prone to heavy traffic - but it's your best chance of snow-free roads at the moment. Nothing's guaranteed but that's your best chance!

Good luck!

scot88

slbhill wrote: »

Definitely take the A702, no contest. It's the main road, it's a trunk road (maintained by Transport Scotland instead of the various councils) and it is the main signposted route, gritted before almost anything else. I've seen the A701 shut for days at a time for landslips on occasion, it's much lower priority.

However, if you're coming up the M6 & M74 to head to Edinburgh and the weather is particularly bad - keep going until you hit signs for the M8 and come across that way instead. It's not as nice usually, and more prone to heavy traffic - but it's your best chance of snow-free roads at the moment. Nothing's guaranteed but that's your best chance!

Good luck!

Good advice too

scotti

Thanks to you all for your input.

Will keep in mind your advice slbhill on approach to the A702 turn off.

All the best for a very merry Christmas and lang may yer lum reek!!!:)


cheers, scotti

sicker

Enjoy your stay in Edinburgh but take note, this council takes great exception to 'reekin lums' these days:):beer: