Full list of solutions floated to resolve Swallow Roundabout chaos

The Courier

22-05-2025

Drivers are continuing to face delays and confusion at the Swallow Roundabout in Dundee – so what can be done about it?
Queues caused by traffic lights and 'confusing' new lane markings at the junction have sparked fury among motorists since being introduced.
The changes were made to the roundabout by developer Springfield in an attempt to accommodate the extra traffic from the Dykes of Gray housing development.
With drivers still facing frustration on a daily basis, The Courier examines some of the potential solutions floated for solving the chaos.
Safety experts say the lane markings at the roundabout should be changed.
Markings on the approach from Perth show arrows pointing straight ahead in all three lanes.
However, anyone in the right lane is then forced to turn right, onto Riverside Drive.
The safety audit report, commissioned by Springfield, recommends that 'the lane markings be reviewed on this approach'.
It adds: 'The audit team are of the view that an alteration in the markings may assist drivers (to) get into the correct lane before the circulatory carriageway as opposed to being trapped when halfway around the junction.
'The solution could be to provide a continuous lane marking for lane one and then allow traffic in lane two to 'split for the A90 and A85 as they make their final approach to the roundabout.'
Along with various other recommendations, the auditors also suggest adding new markings on the Riverside Drive approach to encourage drivers heading onto the Kingsway to use two lanes instead of one to cut down queues.
Springfield says it is still considering the contents of the audit and what to do next.
Drivers have complained about constant delays caused by having to wait at the new traffic lights.
Google Maps traffic data shows queues as far back as Longforgan during the morning rush hour on an almost daily basis.
Springfield has even admitted that 'the traffic lights will not speed up the flow of traffic'.
Many rivers have suggested rephasing the signals to allow more traffic through from the A90 approaches at busy times.
According to transport secretary Fiona Hyslop, some work has already been done on this and traffic flows are continuing to be monitored.
Meanwhile, a spokesperson for roads agency Amey – which will eventually look after the junction on behalf of the Scottish Government – said: 'Remote monitoring of traffic movements is undertaken to inform on journey times.
'Journey time information can then be used to inform on operation of the signals if appropriate.'
The question of a Dundee bypass has been raised once again following the Swallow Roundabout issues.
It has previously been estimated that such a road, which would leave the A90 before Invergowrie and rejoin it south of Forfar, could cut journey times between the central belt and Aberdeen by 15 minutes.
It has also been suggested a bypass could cut Kingsway traffic by as much as 50%.
However, unfortunately for drivers who favour this option, it looks unlikely it will ever come to fruition – with the cost to the public purse and the environment seen as too great by Transport Scotland.
The government agency instead favours improvements to the existing route.
Dundee Civic Trust, a charity which aims to 'encourage the highest standards of design', says upgrading the A94 between Perth and Forfar could provide an alternative route to using the A90 through Dundee.
Members argue the existing rural A-road could be an option for drivers if small bypass sections are built around the towns and villages the road currently runs through.
In a document sent to councils and Transport Scotland in 2024, the trust said: 'The average distance by the A94 is about the same, but the A94 is easier, quicker, and cheaper in terms of fuel use, and may well be faster due to traffic congestion in Dundee.
'We believe it will have the significant advantage of removing from Dundee city much of the through traffic.'
However, Perth and Kinross Council, Angus Council and Transport Scotland have all said there are no plans to upgrade the road and many have disputed the merits of diverting traffic away from a dual carriageway onto a single-carriageway road.