THE forecast completion date for the Helensburgh to Dumbarton cycle path has been pushed back by yet another year – and the project isn’t now expected to be complete until the spring of 2028.
A report has revealed that the phases linking Hermitage Academy to Dumbarton are now expected to be complete around the spring of 2027, also up to a year later than planned.
The final stage of the project – linking the Academy with Helensburgh town centre – is then expected to be completed a year later.
The report has also stated that the owner of land between Geilston Burn and Murray’s Crossing in Cardross is unwilling to progress land negotiations until the route for the path is finalised.
It’s expected that a route in that area will eventually be settled on in the spring of 2022.
An online public consultation process on the route is scheduled for September, six months after it was initially due to take place.
The report and latest project timetable will go before members of Argyll and Bute Council’s Helensburgh and Lomond area committee on Thursday, September 16.
Specific details of land negotiations will be discussed in private session, away from the press and public.
Council executive director Kirsty Flanagan said in her latest report: “Developed design work is ongoing for the outstanding sections of the route linking Colgrain to the Geilston Burn and Ferry Road to Dumbarton.
“WSP (the project contractors) have sought engagement with all identified landowners affected by the route to gain their input to support the design development. Engaging with landowners has taken longer than originally programmed.
“Design progress has also been delayed by a significant number of project change requests submitted by WSP.
“Wider community engagement is now planned for September 2021, following the completion of landowner engagement and design options development.
READ MORE: Public petition calls for 'no further delays' to Helensburgh-Dumbarton cycle path
"Final design is now forecast to be completed in Q4 2021/22.
“As instructed by this committee on December 17, 2020, officers have been in touch with the relevant landowner in relation to the potential for land acquisition to allow the completion of the section of the route from Geilston Burn to Murray’s Crossing at the earliest opportunity.
“Following discussions, the landowner has stated that they do not wish to consider any land acquisition prior to the designs for the full route being finalised.”
Ms Flanagan added that construction of a short stretch linking Cardross railway station with the Geilston Burn resumed last month.
She said: “Commencement of the construction was delayed due to change requests submitted by the bridge contractor.
“Construction of the permanent bridge is forecast to be completed by October, with surfacing and signage to be finalised by the council’s roads operations team following completion of the bridge.”
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