Progress on Active Transport Corridors

The journey to provide sustainable transport corridors along major Dundee routes is moving forward thanks to a £745,000 grant from the Scottish Government. 

Engineering consultancy SWECO has been appointed to develop detailed construction-ready designs for the Lochee Road and Arbroath Road corridors. These designs will integrate active travel and bus priority measures, building on initial concept work. Fully funded by Transport Scotland, the design work will include various elements including surveys, traffic modelling, design development and community consultation and engagement. 

These corridors are central to Dundee City Council’s Sustainable Transport Delivery Plan, which outlines ambitious plans to enhance and expand the city’s sustainable transport infrastructure.  

With around 20,000 vehicle movements daily on these routes, the improvements aim to make walking, cycling, and bus travel more attractive alternatives to car use. This will help to reduce congestion, improve air quality, and connect communities with affordable, low-carbon transport options.  

The award of the tender will be discussed by the council’s Fair Work, Economic Growth and Infrastructure Committee at its meeting on Monday June 9. 

Depute Convener Cllr Siobhan Tolland said: “As we look to the future and work to meet our climate and net zero commitments, active and sustainable travel will play an increasingly important role in that journey. 

“These transport methods will make a substantial positive contribution to the city’s health and wellbeing and also further improve air quality. 

“The new corridor designs will help us bring forward practical solutions to encourage more people to walk, wheel, cycle, and use public transport along these key routes.”                        

Meanwhile, the committee will also be asked to approve a £112, 255 tender for a pocket park in Lochee. 

The project is being supported by funding from Scottish Government’s Vacant and Derelict Land Investment Programme, as well as Transport Scotland’s Active Travel Infrastructure Fund. 

Works, which would be carried out by Tayside Contracts, would see the construction of a pocket park and raingarden in vacant land near the Lochee High Street/Bank Steet road junction.   

The raingarden element will contribute to wider drainage improvements for the area to provide a surface water connection point for new development in Lochee. 

Councillor Tolland added: “Pocket parks have been delivered successfully across other areas in Dundee and help in efforts to encourage people to get out, be active and enjoy their local community.”