New £300k A8 crossing to improve Greenock town centre links
A NEW £300,000 crossing to help improve links between Greenock town centre and the waterfront has been given the green light.
Inverclyde Council is paving the way for the toucan crossing at the foot of William Street which will connect onto Custom House Way and the waterfront via the A8 Dalrymple Street.
It will replace the existing one at nearby Cross Shore Street.
The aim is to improve links between the town centre and the new Greenock Ocean Terminal cruise ship berth and visitor centre.
Work is set to get underway soon and will last approximately 12 weeks.
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There will be lane closures in place throughout the duration of the project.
Councillor Michael McCormick, Inverclyde Council’s convener of environment and regeneration, said: “This is an important project to improve links between the town centre and the amenities at the waterfront, which will include the new Greenock Ocean Terminal building, for the benefit of local people and visitors alike.
“We want as many tourists as possible to stay here and discover Inverclyde during their stopover in Greenock and this will help to do that and, hopefully, boost local businesses.
“I’d like to thank people, particularly drivers, in advance for their patience and understanding while the work is taking place.”
The project is being funded by a grant from Strathclyde Partnership for Transport (SPT).
Inverclyde councillor David Wilson, who is also chair of SPT operations committee, said: “I’m delighted SPT has been able to fund this notable project, improving connectivity and accessibility between Greenock Town Centre and the Waterfront.
“These links are vitally important to the whole project to make the waterfront more attractive to locals and visitors to the area.”
The crossing plans have been developed by the council in partnership with Transport Scotland, which is responsible for trunk roads, and its contractor Amey, which manages the south west trunk roads network, including the A8.
A spokesperson for Amey, the company responsible for maintaining the South West Trunk Road network, said: “Amey will work closely with Inverclyde Council to ensure that this project is delivered in a way that minimises the impact to trunk road users.”
Toucan crossings are wider than normal crossings to accommodate pedestrians and cyclists.
Further details about the project, including a start date, will be communicated in due course.