The redesigned Cowcaddens Road and Dobbie’s Loan have been formally opened following work to create safer walking and cycling routes, new public spaces and extensive planting.
The project was officially opened on Tuesday 25 August by Economy, Tourism and Transport Secretary Stephen Flynn and Glasgow councillor Angus Millar.
Completed in May, the scheme has transformed the streets connecting local communities with Buchanan Bus Station, Glasgow Caledonian University and the wider city centre.
The work included upgraded pavements and roads, improved crossings and junctions, safer routes for people walking, wheeling and cycling, and new public seating.
A total of 59 trees have been planted alongside rain gardens designed to manage surface water, improve air quality and create a greener streetscape.
One of the most significant changes has been the removal of the former underpass between Buchanan Bus Station and Glasgow Caledonian University.
It has been replaced by a street-level route intended to provide a more open and accessible connection between the two destinations.
Improvements have also been made to the route between Dundasvale and Cowcaddens Road, with upgraded access for pedestrians and cyclists and new planting.
The Cowcaddens Road and Dobbie’s Loan scheme is the latest to be delivered through the £22.5 million Scottish Government-funded Avenues Plus programme.
Projects at Duke Street, John Knox Street and South Portland Street are expected to be completed in the coming months.
The Argyle Street West Avenue is due to finish in September, while work is continuing on Argyle Street East, North Hanover Street and Stockwell Street.
Councillor Angus Millar, Glasgow City Council’s convener for climate, transport and city centre recovery, said: “Cowcaddens Road today looks unrecognisable compared to before the improvement works taking place – with more greenery, new public spaces and better connections between neighbourhoods, public transport and key destinations.
“The completion of this project is a key milestone in the Avenues programme, and a good example of how these works are transforming our city centre streets into more attractive places for residents, businesses and visitors.
“With Cowcaddens Road connecting to the already completed Cambridge Street Avenue, and soon to link to completed works at North Hanover Street and the newly refurbished George Square, the new look of large parts of our city centre is really taking shape.”
Mr Flynn said the project demonstrated the impact investment in active travel could have on communities.
He added: “The transformation we see here at Cowcaddens Road and Dobbie’s Loan is exactly why we’re continuing to invest in active travel across Scotland.
“Through the more than £68 million funding allocation announced today, we can support more projects like this in communities right across the country, creating safer, greener and more attractive places to live, work and travel.
“This project has improved connections for people walking, wheeling and cycling, while making the area more welcoming and resilient through new public spaces, trees and planting.
“It demonstrates how investment in active travel can support healthier lifestyles, tackle congestion and help drive the regeneration of our towns and cities.”