NEWLAY Civil Engineering Ltd has commenced work on the second phase of active travel improvements to Ayr Road in Newton Mearns.
East Renfrewshire Council said that the project will be ‘transformational’ for people walking, wheeling, and cycling along the busy A77.
Designed by Mott MacDonald and funded through grants provided by the Strathclyde Partnership for Transport (SPT) and Transport Scotland, the project is split into two phases – with North Hillhead Road to the M77 overbridge completed in phase one last year.
The latest phase of works will see the route running between the M77 overbridge and Malletsheugh junction be completely off-road and will separate pedestrians and cyclists for much of its length. The road itself will benefit from extensive resurfacing, the local authority added.
At Malletsheugh, the existing roundabout will be replaced by a new traffic light-controlled junction, featuring an innovative Dutch-style design, one of only a handful in Scotland to date, providing separate pedestrian and cycle crossings on all four sides. Sensors will keep vehicles flowing smoothly and detect approaching cyclists.
Councillor Danny Devlin, convener for housing and environment at East Renfrewshire Council, said, “This investment will further enhance facilities for active travel on Ayr Road, following upgrades to the path along the rural section of the road last year.
“This part of the road has long been challenging for residents using active travel, so it’s great to see improvements coming to fruition. I’m pleased that the route between the M77 overbridge and Malletsheugh junction will be completely off-road and will separate pedestrians and cyclists for much of its length, boosting the safety and comfort for all of our road users.”
