Funding for Ravenscraig Infrastructure Access project approved

North Lanarkshire Council is matching this with £65.3 million over six years to create new and improved transport infrastructure connecting Ravenscraig north to the M8 and south to Motherwell and the M74.

The total investment of £127.2 million will include: a new dual carriageway from the Ravenscraig Regional Sports Facility to Motherwell, crossing the west coast main line railway; a new roundabout at Airbles Road and Windmillhill Street, connecting to the dual carriageway; completion of the dualling of Airbles Road; and the dualling of the A723 from Ravenscraig to the M8.

The RIA is a key component part of the council’s Plan Lanarkshire Orbital Route, combined with investment currently underway at Motherwell Town Centre Interchange and the future East Airdrie Link Road, to create a transformational road and infrastructure travel spine through North Lanarkshire.

Within the Ravenscraig site itself, the RIA is one of a number of infrastructure projects the council is working to deliver, including a new seven hectare park which is currently under construction and, working with Sustrans, plans for new cycling and walking links to Craigneuk, Wishaw and New College Lanarkshire’s Motherwell campus.

North Lanarkshire Council chief executive Des Murray said: “Despite the coronavirus pandemic, we are continuing to invest in the future of North Lanarkshire, with a clear plan for economic growth.

“Ravenscraig is an important part of our long-term plan as it will bring new homes, schools, businesses, jobs and leisure facilities over the next 25 years.

“To achieve this, we must invest in new roads and active travel improvements, including cycle routes and public transport links - the Ravenscraig Infrastructure Access project will deliver that.

“The Pan Lanarkshire Orbital Transport Corridor will transform the way we use our transport network and with the funding from Glasgow City Region City Deal secured, we can now move forward with this exciting new project.”

UK Government Minister Iain Stewart added: “I am pleased the regeneration and transformation of Ravenscraig has reached another milestone.

“This project is essential to the future prosperity of the region and is a fantastic example of how the Glasgow City Region Deal is improving transport links and developing communities.”

Cabinet Secretary for Transport, Infrastructure and Connectivity Michael Matheson said: “The infrastructure created aims to meet the active travel needs of residents, alongside improving road infrastructure, to facilitate the regeneration of Ravenscraig and contribute to creating the environment for a healthy and vibrant community to thrive.”

The next stage in the RIA project will be submission of a planning application for the southern connections to Motherwell and the M74, which will include a public consultation.

The first construction works on site will create the west coast main line crossing, anticipated to take place in 2022, with construction of the new road to Ravenscraig and roundabout starting in 2023.

Dualling of the A723 is planned to begin in 2023/24 and the work on Airbles Road in 2024/25.

More information about the project is available at www.northlanarkshire.gov.uk/ravenscraig-citydeal.