Contractor picked for £22.7M Glasgow road and active travel upgrade

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The project, which is estimated at £22.7M, is due to begin next month and will see the route between Barrhead and Newton Mearns amended to overhaul the current winding, single carriage road, into a straighter route which will promote active travel. A “weak” road bridge will also be replaced.

Further benefits of the scheme include a new waterside promenade overlooking the Balgray Reservoir, as well as a 2km-long active travel path which connects Barrhead and Newton Mearns to and through Dams to Darnley Country Park and providing a safe link for walking, cycling and wheeling. This will also complete a 4km circular walking and cycling route around Balgray Reservoir.

The project has been funded through £12.7M from the Glasgow City Region city deal, with funding from the UK and Scottish Government, Transport Scotland through Sustrans’ Places for Everyone programme and the Scottish Government’s bridge fund.

According to Graham, to accommodate these significant improvements the road will be closed for approximately 12 months until December 2024. Aurs Road will be inaccessible from the intersection of Springfield Road in Barrhead to the intersection of Stewarton Road in Newton Mearns. Alternative routes will be in place via Stewarton Road, Nitshill Road and Darnley Road.

East Renfrewshire Council leader Owen O’Donnell said: “The delivery of a much improved and straightened road with active travel link – improving connections between Barrhead and Newton Mearns is fantastic news for our communities.

“I am excited to see work on the promenade and circular loop around Balgray Reservoir progress, making Dams to Darnley Country Park a more accessible and desirable location to go for a walk or cycle.

“While I appreciate that there will be some inconvenience caused by the road closure, the transformative impact of this project for generations to come will make the end result worthwhile.”

Graham contracts manager Jim Armour said: “We’re delighted to be appointed by East Renfrewshire Council to deliver the Aurs Road project.

“The upgrade of Aurs Road will transform this route for everyone, improving connections between Barrhead and Newton Mearns, providing a dedicated pedestrian, and cycling route around Balgray Reservoir – paving the way for new facilities in the future.”

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