Projects include a new bus turning circle at the Rest and Be Thankful

Argyll and Bute Council has secured almost half a million pounds of funding from the Strathclyde Partnership for Transport (SPT) for three key transport improvement projects. The council will be working in partnership with SPT to deliver another round of bus infrastructure improvements in Helensburgh and Lomond, further improvements to the cycle network in Cardross and a new turning circle for buses just off the A83 at the Rest and Be Thankful.

The council’s depute leader, Helensburgh Councillor Ellen Morton said: ‘’We warmly welcomes this news and the continued support of SPT for strategic transport projects in Argyll and Bute. The council is committed to working with partners like SPT to improve the transport infrastructure in the area; connectivity is vital to our continued economic success.

‘’The new bus turning circle should make a big difference to those travelling from Lochgoilhead, as well as for walkers. The bus improvements in Helensburgh come on the back of a successful rolling programme which has already enhanced a number of bus stops within the area.

‘’The council is very keen to progress the Helensburgh to Dumbarton cycleway and will be working hard to do so. This additional funding is a step in the right direction – we will use it to add sections to the route in and around Cardross.’’

SPT Chair, Glasgow Councillor Jim Coleman said: “This is a significant investment in our transport network and the projects identified will not only deliver new innovative solutions but will also ensure that the existing network continues to operate effectively, benefiting everyone who travels within and across Strathclyde.’’

Bus turning circle at the Rest and Be Thankful

SPT have awarded £150,000 to this project, in addition to £250,000 already secured from the Scottish Government’s Bus Investment Fund (BIF). This project will enable coach services from Campbeltown and Oban to Glasgow to set down/pick up passengers at the Rest and Be Thankful.  At present there is no safe place to stop so the closest stops for passengers travelling on local bus services to/from Lochgoilhead is either Argartan or Cairndow.   

Helensburgh and Lomond cycleways

SPT have awarded £175,000 for the continued development of a cycleway linking Helensburgh and Dumbarton. The focus for this year’s programme will be on delivering sections of the route in and around Cardross. The council’s strategic transport team will also be applying for £25,000 from the Sustrans Community Links Programme.

Bus infrastructure improvements

SPT have awarded £100,000 to the rolling programme of improvements to bus stops within Helensburgh and Lomond. This work will mainly consist of installing raised kerbs, making it easier for people to get on and off of buses, and the installation of new bus shelters.

Further information about the timescales of these projects will follow once the programmes of work have been developed.

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