WORK is continuing to develop plans for a new road which aims to create business opportunities and reduce congestion in Bishopbriggs.

East Dunbartonshire Council has announced that they have now chosen a preferred route for the new Westerhill Development Road.

The new development is part of the local authority's £34.88million Place and Growth Programme - funded by the UK and Scottish Governments through the Glasgow City Region Deal.

Public consultation took place last year, with five options for a new stretch of the road starting just north of the Westerhill railway bridge at the Lochgrog Roundabout (Phase 4 of the Bishopbriggs Relief Road) and tying in with the A803 Kirkintilloch Road.

According to the council, the route that has been chosen is the most westerly of the choices, running north from Lochgrog Roundabout, east of HMP Low Moss, and connecting to the existing road network at Crosshill Road.

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It also includes pedestrian and cycling paths, as well as an upgraded Torrance Roundabout.

The local authority also claims in comparison to the other potential routes, Option A is considered to perform well overall against the project objectives and minimises environmental impact.

The delivery of the development aims to: 

  • Unlock key strategic sites in the Westerhill Regeneration Area to ensure there is space for local companies to grow, attract other high-quality businesses and reduce barriers to jobs locally.
  • Remove non-essential traffic from travelling through Bishopbriggs town centre.
  • Alleviate air quality issues on the A803 and enable route corridor improvements.
  • Support a well-connected workforce within East Dunbartonshire and the wider City Region.
  • Promote improved road infrastructure, coupled with sustainable travel options, particularly for commuting journeys.

 

Councillor Gordan Low, Leader of East Dunbartonshire Council, said, "Consultation took place on route options for the Westerhill Development Road last year.

"Thanks to everyone who took part – all of your feedback was collated and is helping to inform future work.

"As well as providing the latest information to ensure residents, groups and businesses are kept up to date, we will be working with landowners and stakeholders to develop a detailed design which provides the best balance in terms of benefit, cost and the environment."

Further consultation is set to take place with landowners and stakeholders in the coming months.

On top of that, it is understood design work will continue into early 2025, after which the project will move into the procurement and delivery phase.