Town centre improvements under way

Chief among these is the replacement of the so-called “bridge to nowhere” at Tummel Way, which spans the Central Way dual carriageway but has been closed for many years. The £1m project was announced last autumn but postponed for technical reasons. Additionally, lighting columns and drainage improvements are all underway. The central reservation on Central Way will also be resurfaced and its railing will be replaced by a higher one. There will also be improvements to the lighting and signage within the bus stance areas beneath the shopping centre.

Councillor James Coyle, NLC’s planning and transportation convener, said: “The works will improve safety and amenity along Central Way corridor and performance of the road drainage system.

“Along with the investment from Campsies Centre (Cumbernauld) Ltd, there will also be improvements to the condition of the road network which will give a better impression of Cumbernauld town centre to traffic passing through and arriving in the town centre.

“Some disruption to traffic is inevitable due to the nature of the works; however we will endeavour to keep this disruption to a minimum.”

North Lanarkshire Council is funding these works through roads and town centre improvement budgets.

A spokesman for North Lanarkshire Council added: “The preparatory works are being carried out overnight to minimise disruption to traffic.

“The bridge roof and glass are to be removed during week commencing Monday, January 9 with the southbound bus/taxi lane closed off for the duration of the project.

“We expect both carriageways on Central Way to be closed the following week between 8pm and 6am to allow for the concrete slab on the bridge to be broken up and removed.

“The bridge should be lifted away overnight on Saturday January 21 with the piers being removed two days later.

“There will be further work carried out during February and construction work on the new bridge should begin in March.”

Once completed, the bridge replacement project will create a pedestrian route enabling shoppers to make a complete circuit of the town centre without doubling back. This will fulfil a contractual duty linked to the building of the Antonine Centre.