Renfrewshire Council has moved to allay concerns surrounding regeneration plans for Paisley’s Causeyside Street.
The local authority is working on a project which aims to improve active travel and public transport connections in the town centre area.
Proposals include a two-way cycle route between Canal Street and Gilmour Street stations, linked into National Cycle Route 7, better access to bus stops, road resurfacing, clearer footways, and junction alterations to enhance pedestrian crossings.
Last summer, Councillor Michelle Campbell, convener of the infrastructure, land and environment policy board, said the plans would “modernise” Causeyside Street by providing sustainable transport links that walkers and cyclists would want to use.
However, fears were raised in the community during an engagement exercise, but these have now been addressed by the council.
Worries were expressed that the blueprint would see a change in the number of lanes for driving on Causeyside Street, in turn sparking increased congestion in the area.
But the council confirmed it wants to add a lane heading north towards the junction with Gordon Street, which will see two clear and unobstructed traffic lanes in place at all times.
Loading and parking will happen on an inside lane instead of a live traffic lane, which should mean vehicles won’t block traffic and congestion would actually be reduced.
Meanwhile, heading south from the Gordon Street junction towards Neilston Road, there are currently two traffic lanes. But the local authority said loading and illegal parking mean the inside lane is not used.
Parking spaces will be added to address demand, as well as dedicated loading bays for businesses, resulting in no change to the way the road is used.
The council has emphasised there will be no loss of parking. Yellow lines will be removed to create 46 permanent parking spaces to meet demand. Eight new loading bays for businesses will also be added.
A new cycle path intends to give cyclists a safe, dedicated section of road separate from both pedestrians and vehicles – removing the need for cycling on the pavement if they are nervous on the road.
Zebra crossings will be used to allow safe crossing for pedestrians, with road markings warning cyclists to give way in advance.
Dimpled paving will also be in place at crossing points, bus stops and next to the cycleway to help people with a visual impairment, while there will be a defined kerb to support them to locate the edge of the pavement.
The council said it has widened the lane at the bus stop near the Paisley Centre from the original plans to make sure that vehicles can pass buses stopping to drop off or collect passengers.
The work will be carried out in “small chunks”, according to the local authority, as it bids to limit the number of businesses affected at any one time.
“We’re committed to engaging with businesses to see how we can best support them,” a spokesperson said.
“Once complete, the new layout should bring more customers into businesses as they are able to walk, cycle or park on Causeyside Street more easily.”
Meanwhile, residents and business are due to receive a letter outlining the plans, while stakeholders, such as bus and taxi services, local partnerships and community councils, will be contacted directly.
People who want to comment have been encouraged to email the council at ei@renfrewshire.gov.uk or write to environment and infrastructure at Renfrewshire House in Paisley’s Cotton Street.
The closing date for feedback on the final designs is this Sunday, January 15.
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