Work on the new walking and cycling path between Ravenscraig and the Craigneuk area of Wishaw is progressing well.
North Lanarkshire Council is creating the south-north active travel link to connect the Regional Sports Facility and The Craig public park with Craigneuk, via “The Castings” housing development, off Meadowhead Road.
The path will feature lighting, seating and CCTV and there will be features to encourage play and exploration of nature along the way. Wildflower and woodland planting along the route will provide a green setting and enhance the biodiversity of the site.
Contractor Covanburn Contracts Ltd is currently on site and the active travel link is expected to be complete in May.
Councillor Allan Graham, convener of the council’s enterprise and growth committee, said: “The new public park at Ravenscraig, with it’s play areas, multi-sport pitch, outdoor gym and most recently the café opening, so this new active travel link will allow more people from Craigneuk and beyond to walk or cycle easily to the park and the sports facility.
“With more people enjoying the health and environmental benefits of walking and cycling, this path will help expand our network of active travel links across North Lanarkshire and improve connections between local communities.”
The project is being jointly funded by Strathclyde Partnership for Transport (SPT) and the Scottish Government, through their Vacant and Derelict Land Fund and Place Based investment Programme.
SPT chair, Councillor Dr Martin Bartos, said: “SPT is pleased to have been able to give our funding support to North Lanarkshire Council for delivering this key active travel link. We recognise the importance of good active travel routes as a means of promoting walking, wheeling & cycling as a viable alternative to private car.
"This investment by partners establishes key connections into Ravenscraig and beyond and will support healthier and more sustainable travel choices.”
A second phase of the project is planned to create a path running east-west between Craigneuk and the New College Lanarkshire Motherwell Campus. Subject to funding being granted, this is due to be constructed during 2022/23.