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

South Lanarkshire Council’s executive has made significant progress in the development of the Stewartfield Way Capacity Enhancement project, a crucial road improvement initiative in East Kilbride. The project aims to enhance traffic flow, upgrade public transport infrastructure, and promote low carbon vehicle emissions in the region.

Despite reservations expressed by an SNP councillor, the council approved the outline business case for the project during a meeting held on Wednesday. The next steps proposed for the project were also given the green light by the executive committee. It was agreed to seek grant funding in line with the City Deal Grant Distribution Process for preliminary costs and to move forward with developing full business cases for the project and associated sub-projects.

One of the key aspects of the project involves converting the existing roundabouts at Nerston and Mavor junctions into three and four-way traffic signal controlled junctions. This modification is expected to improve traffic flow, eliminate congestion points, and support economic growth in the north and west areas of East Kilbride.

The project includes provisions for active travel enhancements such as walking and cycling infrastructure, connecting to national and local cycle routes. Additionally, improvements will be made to the facilities at Mavor and Nerston junctions to accommodate cyclists and pedestrians. Cllr Kirsten Robb expressed concerns about the project’s environmental impact and emphasized the importance of considering sustainability factors before further funding decisions are made.

David Booth, Executive Director of Community and Enterprise Resources, highlighted the project’s potential to reduce carbon emissions through modern construction techniques and improve overall transportation efficiency. The project is set to receive funding of £3.5 million for further development.

The Stewartfield Way Capacity Enhancement project is expected to deliver 1.8km of enhanced road network, including widened carriageways, a new shared cycle route spanning 1km, and improved junctions with traffic signal controls. These enhancements are pivotal in enhancing connectivity, promoting sustainable travel methods, and reducing vehicle emissions in the region.

In summary, the approval of the outline business case for the Stewartfield Way Capacity Enhancement project marks a significant milestone in the improvement of East Kilbride’s infrastructure. The project’s focus on enhancing traffic flow, promoting active travel, and reducing carbon emissions aligns with broader sustainability objectives set forth by the council. As the project progresses, continued assessment of its environmental impact and commitment to sustainable development will be crucial aspects to monitor.