Cycle path ‘still scheduled for completion in 2028’

Funding for the design of the Helensburgh to Dumbarton cycle path has been confirmed – but work on the design of the route has been put on hold.

Council officials are working with design contractors to confirm a programme to complete the design of incomplete parts of the path.

A response is also being awaited from transport officials on potential funding for a community consultation on a route into the centre of Helensburgh.

Details are given in a report to Argyll and Bute Council’s Helensburgh and Lomond area committee next Tuesday.

The projected date for completing the full path remains spring 2028, according to an updated timetable forming part of the report.

Council executive director Kirsty Flanagan said funding for the design development had been confirmed from the Transport Scotland Places for Everyone programme, administered by Sustrans.

“Developed design work for the outstanding section of the route linking Colgrain to Geilston Burn, Cardross and Ferry Road, Cardross to Dumbarton has been paused by WSP (design contractors),” she added.

“Officers are working with WSP to confirm a programme to complete the developed design, including considering the outcomes of the community engagement prior to progressing the necessary design work.

“As instructed, WSP have sought engagement with all identified landowners affected by the route to gain their input to the design development. Landowner comments have been considered and, where appropriate incorporated, within the developed designs.”

She added that an application had been submitted in November for ‘a high-quality community engagement to identify demand for and a potential route(s) of the cyclepath from the western edge of Helensburgh into the centre of the town.

No decision has been made by Sustrans yet on this.

Ms Flanagan also reported that the section of route linking Cardross station with Cardross Park opened in December and was already being well-used by the public.