Helensburgh-Dumbarton cycle path design phases to be complete by March

Argyll and Bute Council chiefs are working with design contractors WSP to have their design work completed by the end of the 2022/23 financial year.

But further elements will be required after that time, including ecology surveys which can only be undertaken during the summer months.

The latest update on the planned path will go before the council’s Helensburgh and Lomond Area Committee at its meeting on Tuesday (December 13).

Local councillors will also be given an update on land negotiations for the path, but the details of those are being kept confidential.

Executive director Kirsty Flanagan said: “Officers have agreed with WSP that their work package will be finished no later than March 31 next year.

“This provides a confirmed date by which WSP will complete contracted work and helps to clarify the timescale to progress this important project.

“At time of writing, officers are working to agree an updated work plan and programme with WSP to enable their work to be completed by the end of the financial year.

“Subsequent to WSP’s work, some further elements will require to be undertaken during summer 2023 to complete the design package required for construction.

“This includes ecology surveys, which can only be undertaken during summer months, and a quality review of the design work undertaken by WSP.”

Phase one of the route runs from Cardross to Colgrain, sections of which are already built. Phase two runs from Cardross to Dumbarton.

A third phase, linking Colgrain with Helensburgh town centre, is due to begin design work as soon as a design contractor is procured.

The entire route remains scheduled for completion by the springtime of 2028, according to an updated timetable which will also go before the committee.

Councillors are recommended to welcome the agreement with WSP that their work is planned to be complete by the end of March, and note the subsequent further work required.