Following the latest scheduled meeting between East Dunbartonshire Council and Network Rail, the Council has received confirmation of a delay to the delivery of the Bishopbriggs Relief Road project. This is due to the need to relocate utility cables and ongoing wider works to deliver the Edinburgh Glasgow Improvement Programme (EGIP) being carried out by Network Rail.
It had previously been programmed that the new section of road would open later this year, however, issues outwith the Council's control mean the authority's appointed contractor is now projecting an early 2018 delivery date.
Bishopbriggs Relief Road Phase 4 involves the creation of a new road between the end of Phase 3, at Wester Cleddens Roundabout, and a new roundabout near the Aviva offices on Westerhill Road, a new bridge over the Edinburgh-Glasgow railway line and a new access road for Cadder Yard.
Throughout the project Council officers have held regular meetings with Network Rail and the EGIP design team, and a number of legal agreements are in place.
Additional unforeseen works have been required following the discovery of trackside utilities as the project has been implemented - the relocation of which could only be carried out by Network Rail.
The utility services have now been made safe and diverted, however, further work is ongoing on the EGIP - including electrification of the railway line - which is impacting on the timing of the installation of the new bridge.
Councillor Jim Gibbons, Convener of East Dunbartonshire Council’s Place, Neighbourhood & Corporate Assets Committee, said, "The Council is disappointed at the wider works outwith its control which are now impacting on the timing of the delivery of the road and fully share the frustrations of local residents and businesses.
"It is, however, essential to ensure that the relief road and the EGIP are delivered safely and that any issues which come to light, such as the need for utility relocation, are dealt with as they arise.
"Rest assured, we will continue to work with all parties involved - particularly Network Rail - to ensure any further delays are kept to a minimum wherever this is within our control and officers have escalated matters with our delivery partners.
"Based on the current programme for the installation of the bridge over the railway line, officers are advising that the road is programmed for completion by February next year.
"It has been a complex project, with dependencies on the EGIP, but together with our partners we are focused on completing Phase 4 - which will help to reduce congestion, support new investment and improve air quality.
"I have asked for a full report on the project to be brought back to the appropriate committee of the Council at the earliest possible date."
- The project is part of the Council's 10-year capital programme and is being part-funded through developers' contributions from the Bishopbriggs East housing development.
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