What is the policy/strategy/function trying to achieve?
North Lanarkshire Council is developing the East Airdrie Link Road (EALR) as part of the Glasgow City Region Deal infrastructure programme. The proposal is to create a new North-South link road to the east of Airdrie to improve transport connections across North Lanarkshire.
The proposed scheme aims to:
- improve journey times and transport reliability
- improve connections between residential areas, town centres, business centres, employment and education
- improve air quality, by relieving congestion along the existing A73
This work is being developed in line with the Design Manual for Roads and Bridges (DMRB).
If this is a budget saving, how will the saving be achieved?
This project is not a budget saving. It is a capital infrastructure project, partly funded through the Glasgow City Region Deal to support economic growth including employment and improved connectivity within North Lanarkshire and across the Glasgow City Region.
If this policy is subject to the Fairer Scotland Duty, what does it suggest about the impact on socio-economic disadvantage?
The proposal is subject to the Fairer Scotland Duty, as it is a strategic decision with the potential to affect communities experiencing socioeconomic disadvantage.
The assessment indicates that the scheme has the potential to deliver positive long-term impacts, particularly for people living in areas of deprivation, through:
- Improved access to employment, education and training
- Improved access to healthcare facilities
- Reduced traffic volumes, congestion and pollution along existing routes
- Improved road safety and active travel opportunities
However, the assessment also recognises that short-term or localised adverse impacts may occur, particularly during construction and where land acquisition is required. This includes potential impacts on individuals or businesses with limited financial resilience, including stress and disruption associated with land acquisition or the potential use of Compulsory Purchase Order (CPO) powers. These impacts will be considered and addressed through statutory processes and mitigation.
Details of the impact it has on groups and individuals
The assessment identified that different groups may experience different impacts from the scheme.
Positive impacts
- Improved access to healthcare, including the Monklands Replacement Hospital, particularly benefiting older people, disabled people and those with long-term health conditions.
- Improved connectivity to employment and education opportunities, supporting people in deprived areas.
- Reduced community severance, improving safety and accessibility for pedestrians, cyclists, children and families.
- Improved air quality in areas currently affected by high traffic volumes.
Potential adverse impacts
- Temporary disruption and impacts during construction activity.
- Temporary or permanent changes to walking and cycling routes.
- Potential impacts on Caldervale High School facilities, particularly the loss of existing grass pitch.
- Potential impacts on landowners and occupiers where land acquisition or Compulsory Purchase Orders may be required, which may cause disruption or uncertainty.
What actions or measures will be put in place to mitigate adverse impacts or promote equality?
A range of mitigation and enhancement measures are proposed or planned, including:
- Preparation and implementation of a Construction Environmental Management Plan (CEMP) to manage noise, air quality, dust, access and safety during construction.
- Ongoing design development in line with national standards to support inclusive design and accessibility.
- Continued engagement with communities, stakeholders, schools and landowners.
- Development of replacement or improved outdoor sports facilities at Caldervale High School to mitigate impacts on existing facilities.
- Early and ongoing engagement with affected landowners, clear communication of statutory rights, and application of compensation arrangements where land acquisition or CPO is required.
- Promotion of employment, training and apprenticeship opportunities during construction, in line with inclusive recruitment principles.
What is the result/recommendation of the assessment?
The assessment indicates that the East Airdrie Link Road should be progressed, with relevant adjustments, mitigation measures and ongoing review.
The assessment identifies that the scheme will deliver significant long-term benefits in relation to connectivity, access to services, economic opportunity and reduced inequality. While some short-term adverse impacts have been identified, these can be appropriately mitigated through design development, engagement and statutory processes.
The Equality and Fairer Scotland Impact Assessment will continue to be reviewed and updated as the project develops and until a formal decision is made to proceed to construction. The project is subject to statutory processes and procedures, including planning and environmental assessment, which will inform the final design and mitigation measures.