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Accessible Legacy

Glasgow is the main transport hub for the West of Scotland and more accessible and better connected, both nationally and internationally, than ever before. Through investment in the city's transport infrastructure, including new cycle routes, the M74 completion and the new Clyde Gateway, Glasgow's transport system will continue to be a key driver of the city's economic success for years to come.

Through the accessible legacy theme we are:

Improving connectivity by investing in major new transport infrastructure

M74 Completion

The M74 Completion added an eight kilometre section of motorway from Fullarton Road Junction, near Carmyle, to the M8 motorway west of the Kingston Bridge. The new road was opened to traffic on 28 June 2011.

The Clyde Gateway

The Clyde Gateway is providing improved access through the east end of Glasgow and as this regeneration project progresses, we are ensuring the successful impact of the Commonwealth Games and its legacy for Glasgow's east end. The new road opened to traffic on 29 April 2012.

Dalmarnock Station

A £9 million overhaul of Dalmarnock Rail Station has been implemented as part of the process to create a world-class transport system ahead of the Games. The station opened to public in May 2013 with full refurbishment completed in December 2013.

Traffcom

In order to ensure the city's transport system was capable of meeting the demands placed on it during the Glasgow 2014 Games, the traffic and roadworks control centre was relocated to a bespoke new facility at Eastgate in the East End of the City in November 2013.

Cathedral Street Bridge Strengthening

Delivered in partnership with Network Rail, the strengthening and refurbishment of Cathedral Street Bridge allowed weight restrictions to be removed and provided an alternative traffic route when George Square was closed for Games-related activities.

Subway Upgrade

A smartcard ticketing programme was introduced by SPT to make subway stations and other public transport networks more efficient and robust ahead of the Games.

Railway Upgrade

Working with Transport Scotland improvements have been made to a number of rail stations across the Glasgow area including improving access for the mobility impaired to a number of rail stations serving games venues including Mount Florida and Exhibition Centre.

Encouraging sustainable travel by growing cycling initiatives and walking network

Sustainable Transport Initiatives

These initiative's main aims are to drive up the standard of vehicles, reduce pollution, improve accessibility and increase bus patronage. A car club has been introduced in Glasgow to provide sustainable transport options and reduce dependency on car ownership. Hampden Transport Hub has been developed to include a 440 space park and ride facility at the east end of Hampden Park.

Public Realm Improvements

Public realm improvements on games routes have been completed including Anderston Quay, Lancefield Quay, Custom House Quay Gardens and Kelvin Walkway/Eldon Street Underpass and George Square.

Walking and Cycling Network Improvements

New and improved cycle infrastructure has been introduced through various major projects including segregated cycle lanes along London Road, improvements to the Riverside Walkway, widened footways as part of the Clyde Gateway and the new Anderston Footbridge.

Case Studies

Sean Tidser, 15, attends Whitehill Secondary in Dennistoun and has benefited from a Glasgow City Council scheme which sees young people receive free bikes and training.

Sean said: "Before I got my bike I wasn't really active, but now I cycle everywhere - I'm never off my bike! Cycling has made me fitter and really helped me with my football and running.

"I used to have to catch the bus everywhere but now I save money and time because I can just ride my bike. I've told all my friends this and they have now started cycling as well.

"The new paths will encourage more people to walk and cycle and they will be a lot safer and quicker than using the road. I think the Commonwealth Games will be good for Glasgow and I'm really looking forward to using the new Sir Chris Hoy Velodrome at Dalmarnock."

Mass Cycle Hire Scheme -In June 2014, we launched a £0.58 million city bike scheme - Mass Automated Cycle Hire (MACH). Through the scheme 400 bikes are available for public hire at 31 locations across the city from bespoke Stations. Users can register as a member or as a casual user through a website, their Smartphone or by telephone.

Glasgow Bike Station, the charity advocating mental and physical health through cycling as a means of transport, has won the contract to carry out all bike maintenance.

With the 12 KM of new of refurbished cycle routes across the city, new public cycling facilities at the Velodrome and Cathkin Braes Mount trails, the council is investing millions of pounds towards supporting our ambition to making Glasgow one of the UK's most cycling friendly cities.

Victoria Leiper, Maryhill: "The bike scheme will make it easier for me to travel around the city in a sustainable way. It's very user friendly and a very cost effective way to travel."

Last modified on 18 July 2023

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