Work starts TOMORROW on Glasgow city centre road redevelopments
Cowcaddens Road and Dobbie's Loan - leading to the M8 - will have fewer car lanes with more space for pedestrians and cyclists
Last updated 17th Feb 2025
Glasgow city centre is set for another major transformation as work begins on the latest public realm project at Cowcaddens Road and Dobbie’s Loan on Tuesday, February 18.
The initiative, part of the £21 million Avenues Plus programme, is aimed at improving pedestrian and cycling infrastructure while enhancing the overall look of the area.
Mock ups show that car lanes will be cut in half to make more space for pedestrians and cyclists.
There will be widened pavements, segregated cycle lanes, improved road surfaces, as well as more street furniture, trees and shrubbery lining the route.
See the mock ups:
However, with these changes taking place on a key route for commuters heading to and from the M8, questions remain about how these modifications will affect daily traffic flows in what is already a congested area at rush hour.
Bosses behind the project have said almost half of Glaswegian households do not have access to a car, therefore the project is an "important step" to improving everyday journeys.
Infilled underpass
Spanning 750 metres along Cowcaddens Road and 250 metres on Dobbie’s Loan, the work will also see the infilling of the underpass between Buchanan Bus Station and Glasgow Caledonian University, with a new stair constructed in its place—an effort aimed at addressing personal safety concerns.
In addition, a key alteration to the Cowcaddens Road/Port Dundas Road junction will see the north side closed to through traffic, apart from a dedicated southbound lane for emergency services.
Speaking on the project, Councillor Angus Millar, Convener for Climate, Transport and City Centre Recovery at Glasgow City Council, highlighted the investment as a key step in revitalising the city centre.
He said: “These transformation works at a key gateway to the city centre will connect into the wider Avenues programme and make these streets more attractive for everyone, supporting our ongoing efforts to spur on the city centre’s regeneration.”
'People in Glasgow want to walk, wheel and cycle more'
Cabinet Secretary for Transport Fiona Hyslop echoed this sentiment, emphasising the benefits for active travel.
She said: “This investment will make it easier for people to walk, wheel and cycle across Townhead and the city centre, while improving the overall look and feel with new trees and making the area less susceptible to flooding.”
She further noted the government’s broader commitment to active travel, citing over £188 million allocated for the next year to encourage sustainable transport choices.
Sustrans portfolio director Carole Patrick also championed the changes, stressing the need to provide safer and more accessible active travel routes.
She said: "With nearly half of Glasgow households not having access to a car, this phase of Avenues PLUS is an important step towards giving more people fairer, more cost-effective choices for short, everyday journeys.
“People in Glasgow want to walk, wheel and cycle more.
"But too many Glaswegians still simply don’t feel confident and safe enough in getting around the city under their own steam.”
Work is set to be completed by Spring of 2026.
Hear the latest news on Clyde 1 on FM, DAB, smart speaker or the Rayo app.
Rayo Premium