Motorists in Wishaw are being warned to expect significant travel disruption during the annual County Grand Lodge of Central Scotland parade on Saturday, July 11. Thousands of participants from Orange lodges across the region will gather to commemorate the Battle of the Boyne.
Parade Route and Timings
The parade will commence on the A71, Overtown Road, Waterloo, proceeding onto the A721, Wishaw Road, Stewarton Street, Main Street, Belhaven Road, Marshall Street, Alexander Street, and Station Road. The A71 (from junction with A73 to junction with A721), Alexander Street (from junction with Heathery Roundabout to Dundyvan Street), and Station Road will be closed from approximately 9.30am for drop-off and coach parking.
The parade starts at 1pm, and the route will be fully closed in both directions in advance, closing all junctions along the parade route. The A721 from Waterloo to Wishaw Cross and junctions will be fully closed from around 12.45pm, with the remainder of the route from Wishaw Cross to Station Road closing about 20 to 30 minutes later.
Closure Details and Diversions
Given the number of participants (approximately 8,000), the entire route will be closed for a period of time. It is expected the parade will be complete and participants will have left the area by 3.30pm. North Lanarkshire Council advises that due to the extent of closures and restrictions, there will be no signed diversion routes other than for the A71, Overtown Road.
Advance notice signs will be placed at regular intervals along the parade route and on approaches, with 33 signs erected by Saturday, June 27, and an additional 2 electronic signs installed at appropriate locations on July 4.
Council Statement
A council spokesperson said: "It is acknowledged this event will cause significant disruption and inconvenience to traffic and travel plans as it impacts the main west-east and north-south routes in the area. But, it is hoped the advance warning will assist in allowing the travelling public to make alternative arrangements."
