Cowgate to fully reopen from Monday 3 April

Date: 
Wednesday, 22 March, 2017

 

Kirkintilloch's main street will reopen fully to traffic from Monday 3 April.

It had originally been planned that a rolling programme of improvement works in Cowgate would take place over 18 months - beginning on 8 February last year.

However, Cowgate will reopen ahead of schedule on 3 April, with all remaining snagging issues scheduled to be finished by May.

The final phase of the Cowgate public realm project - a key part of Kirkintilloch Town Centre Masterplan - is being completed near Kirkintilloch Community Hub.

Thanks have been given to residents, businesses, shoppers and visitors for their patience during the works.

The project has involved the removal of street clutter, narrowed carriageways, widened footways, reduction of traffic speeds below 20mph and the installation of courtesy crossings in the Cowgate area.

Improvements were designed following consultation with residents, community groups, businesses, charities and stakeholders.

Support was secured from Sustrans Scotland and Strathclyde Partnership for Transport (SPT).

Thomas Glen, Depute Chief Executive - Place, Neighbourhood & Corporate Assets, said, "I am pleased that works are nearing completion in Kirkintilloch town centre, with Cowgate due to reopen to traffic fully on 3 April.

"It has been a long road and I want to thank everyone who lives in, works in and regularly visits the town centre for their patience during construction.

"We will be monitoring how the new layout is operating over the coming months and reporting back to elected members. Adjustments will be considered and implemented where necessary.

"I hope as many people as possible take the chance to visit the town centre and see the changes for themselves."

First Greater Glasgow has confirmed that Kirkintilloch bus services will return to normal routes from Sunday 9 April.

Visit the Masterplan webpage for more information.

As well as funding from Sustrans Scotland and SPT, support has also come from the Council's capital programme - which is funded differently and completely separate from the revenue budget, which pays for day-to-day services and is under significant pressure.

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