What are we doing now?

The shortlisted options have less impact on existing properties than other options considered within Stage 1.

We recognise however that there are some properties close to the route of the emerging preferred option. We will consider ways of reducing impacts on these properties at the next stage and consult directly with affected property owners. 

Environment was given high importance for selecting the shortlisted options. Other route options considered in Stage 1 had more environmental impact and were not taken forward to Stage 2.

Environment was also given high importance at Stage 2 when assessing the shortlisted options.

At the next stage, environmental impact will be assessed in more detail and ways of protecting wildlife, maintaining countryside access and reducing the impact on ecology, woodland, etc will be identified.  This will form part of the environmental impact assessment for the planning application.

By building a new road to the east of Airdrie, we will provide an alternative route for through traffic. This will free up space on the A73 through Chapelhall and Airdrie for local traffic and reduce congestion. The new road will have a small number of junctions and it is not intended to provide access for new developments. An access will however be needed for the proposed replacement Monklands Hospital at Wester Moffat.

A signage strategy will be developed to direct north/south through traffic to use the new road.

The new road is intended to reduce the amount of through traffic on the A73 through Chapelhall and Airdrie. This will help to make bus services quicker and more reliable. New bus services may also use the new road. 

As part of the overall project, we will create a new north/south walking, wheeling and cycling route between Riggend and Chapelhall. This will connect to the NCN 75 and other existing local path networks where possible.

We will also identify where new path sections and/or crossings are needed to maintain access on existing cycling, walking and horse riding routes at the next stage. 

The emerging preferred option will be accessible locally at Chapelhall (Lancaster Avenue), Plains (A89) and the B803 (Greengairs Road). 

From the main road network, it will be accessible via the A73 at Newhouse to the south, and from the A73 at Riggend to the north. 

The new road will provide an alternative route for through traffic travelling to destinations to the north and south of Airdrie.  This will free up space on the A73 through Chapelhall and Airdrie for local traffic.

The main purpose of the new road is to provide an alternative route for through traffic. This will reduce congestion and provide more space on the existing A73 through Airdrie and Chapelhall for local traffic and for access to local businesses in the Airdrie area. 

We will consult with affected businesses at the next stage to make sure that access arrangements can be made for them when the road is being built. 

We considered options to improve north/south rail connections during Stage 1. These included new sections of rail lines and increased service frequency on existing routes.  Whilst these options would improve public transport, they didn’t meet enough of the project objectives to be taken to the next stage. There are also constraints to building new rail line sections in built-up areas. 

Some of the rail initiatives considered would bring benefits to the areas as well as an East Airdrie Link Road. Alternative funding would however be needed if these were to be taken forward. 

The emerging preferred option for the new road has roundabouts on the B803 Greengairs Road and A89 to the west of Plains and will improve travel connections for these communities.

The new road will go over or under local roads to keep local access throughout the area. Overall, local road access will not be reduced by the project.

Some roads will need to be crossed with a bridge. 

We are working closely with NHS Lanarkshire to make sure the new road project and the  Monklands Replacement Hospital project at Wester Moffat are coordinated.

There will be access to the replacement hospital site at Wester Moffat from the new road. The details of this access are being discussed with NHS Lanarkshire. 

This is one of the main aims of the project.

The emerging preferred option we’ve identified connects to the A73 to the north of Riggend.  This will provide more travel benefits than the other shortlisted options considered.