Significant investment plans to part of the Falkirk area's most widely used main road network have taken a further step forward with the recent granting of planning consent for significant road improvements between Falkirk, Grangemouth and the M9, including the proposed pedestrian and cycle crossing at Westfield. In total the works will deliver 4 kilometres of new and improved pedestrian and cycleways as well as 3 kilometres of improved roads and junctions along the A9 and A904.
Council Leader Cecil Meiklejohn said:
"This an exciting and significant investment in our roads, paths and cycling infrastructure and will deliver a new and exciting green travel corridor for pedestrians and cyclists. It will enhance our area as a national logistic hub, ensuring vehicle traffic can flow more smoothly. Pedestrians will also be safer when crossing the busy Westfield junction which links our communities, the Stadium, the Gateway sites, new Forth Valley College and the Helix.
The A9/A904 Westfield Scheme will improve transport links between Falkirk and Grangemouth and reduce standing traffic around Westfield. It represents significant investment and confidence in the Falkirk area's location bringing welcome support to boost the area's economic recovery at this important time. It underscores the important profile of the Falkirk area within the Scottish and UK economies ensuring its continued place as a key location where business and people will want to choose to invest and live."
Works to improve other roads infrastructure near Junction 5 of the M9 are also expected to start in early 2022 with an announcement on details expected soon.
The investment funding package from UK and Scottish external government sources is targeted to support infrastructure and regeneration for the area and cannot be allocated to other day to day Council Service delivery.
Funding for the improvements is being made available by Scottish Government through the Tax Increment Financing (TIF) initiative allowing the Council to retain business rates from economic growth. The Westfield Crossing will also benefit from £2.4m of European Union active travel funding via the Low Carbon Transport & Travel Fund and £20m of UK Government Levelling Up Funds.