Question reference: S6W-03253
- Asked by: Paul Sweeney, MSP for Glasgow, Scottish Labour
- Date lodged: 6 October 2021
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Current status: Answered by Graeme Dey on 2 November 2021
Question
To ask the Scottish Government, further to the debate on motion S6M-01293 (A Net Zero Nation) on 21 September 2021, whether it will provide a substantive response to the issues raised regarding alternative engineering solutions to the reconstruction of the Woodside viaducts on the M8 in Glasgow at the reported expense of introducing new active travel routes to the city, and what its position is on how this might be interpreted internationally ahead of COP26.
Answer
The M8 Woodside Viaducts are essential links in the M8 central Scotland urban motorway, vital for the economy and connectivity of Scotland. Therefore, the repair of the viaducts and removal of restrictions is high priority. A number of potential remedies were considered but the propping solution was assessed as the best option in terms of timescale and value for the public purse. The viaducts carry 150,000 vehicles per day in normal times, which would be difficult to accommodate by other routes or modes. Part of the Underline Project, an active travel corridor route from Cambridge Street to St George’s Road extending below the viaducts, has been deferred to allow the viaducts repair work to be completed. Several excavations are required in this area and it would be abortive to construct this part only for it to be disrupted by the repair works. This has been fully discussed and agreed with Glasgow City Council. On completion, the Underline project will deliver a key cross-Glasgow active travel corridor in line with the commitments given in the motion and contribute to the net zero aims of COP26.