Huge step forward for vital East Kilbride road project despite councillor's concerns

-Credit: (Image: ugc)
-Credit: (Image: ugc)


A vital East Kilbride road improvement project which will enhance traffic flow, make improvements to public transport and encourage low carbon vehicle emissions has taken another huge step forward – despite concerns from a Green councillor.

South Lanarkshire Council’s executive approved on Wednesday that the outline business case for the Stewartfield Way Capacity Enhancement project be approved along with the proposed next steps.

It was also agreed that grant funding be sought in accordance with the City Deal Grant Distribution Process outlined in the assurance framework in relation to preliminary costs, and that the relevant full business cases for the project and associated sub-projects be developed for future presentation to the executive committee and City Region Cabinet.

The key component of the proposed scheme is the conversion of the existing roundabouts at Nerston and Mavor junctions to three and four-way traffic signal controlled junctions.

This will enhance the flow of traffic through the junctions, removing “choke points” and support and accelerate economic development in the north and west of East Kilbride.

The improvement will benefit residents and businesses in East Kilbride, as well as residents of Rutherglen, Cambuslang, Hamilton and Glasgow at large, in addition to residents travelling to and from outlying areas such as Chapelton and Strathaven.

As part of the Stewartfield Way project, active travel improvements will be delivered including walking and cycling infrastructure.

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This will provide connections to both the NCN-756 national cycle route and the local cycle network. This will include the widening of parts of the NCN-756 and improvements to the facilities at Mavor and Nerston junctions, along with improvements to the adjoining local cycle network

East Kilbride East Cllr Kirsten Robb said: “It is to be welcomed that this project has been re-scoped to improve junctions and pedestrian and cycling facilities. I am concerned about the remaining dualling and the impact of increased traffic on the climate impact which we are seeing locally.”

Cllr Kirsten Robb. -Credit:Copyright Unknown
Cllr Kirsten Robb. -Credit:Copyright Unknown

She suggested the paper be held until more information was made available.

She added: “Transport is the biggest contributor to climate-busting emissions and public money is precious so councillors must be careful to have facts to hand before we make decisions to release further funding. Otherwise we could be in direct conflict with our legal duties and our own climate action plan. We want the carbon impact to be provided or the decision postponed.

“It’s just about getting information so we can make decisions along with our other duties.

David Booth, Executive Director (Community and Enterprise Resources) said: “I mentioned construction techniques improving so we will reduce carbon emissions and this project will likely improve journey times and incorporate active travel and bus facilities which will remove congestion and most likely reduce vehicle emissions. Commitment has been undertaken to undertake an impact assessment and at this time we are seeking the £3.5 million to develop the project.”

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The project is expected to deliver:

■ 1.8km of enhanced road network - The widening of the existing carriageways on the A749 and Stewartfield Way to enhance and facilitate the new junction layouts.

■ The carriageway alignment will be designed to the Design Manual for Roads and Bridges.

■ 1.km of New Shared Cycle Route - the improvement and addition to the existing off-road cycleway adjacent to the carriageway.

■ The cycle way will extend and tie into existing cycle routes in the area 5 Improved Junctions.

■ Junctions at the existing Mavor and Nerston roundabouts to be re-designed to new three-four way traffic signal controlled junctions with cycle and pedestrian facilities and a new traffic signal-controlled junction to be constructed at the existing entrance to PlaySport

■ New traffic signal-controlled junction to be constructed, which creates a new route into the Kingsgate retail area, with pedestrian and cycle facilities

■ The production of the Outline Business Case is another key milestone and provides the basis for further development of the project.

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