Widened pavements across Glasgow announced

More space for pedestrians the “shape of things to come”.

Pavements will be extended in Clyde Street. Picture: John Devlin.

Some roads will be closed, starting with Kelvin Way through Kelvingrove Park in the west end from Saturday.

The council said that would provide more space for people exercising in the park following concerns about them being able to stay 2m apart from each other.

Clyde Street and Broomielaw on the north bank of the river in the city centre will be the first to have footways widened, with the plans “at an advanced stage”.

Kelvin Way has previously closed for events such as fun runs. Picture: Jeff Holmes.

These are designed to “ensure pedestrians, cyclists and wheelchair users can be physically distant safely at all times”.

Similar temporary measures are expected to follow in other busy areas such as Byres Road and Partick in the west end, Dennistoun in the east end, Shawlands on the south side and Maryhill in the north of the city.

They could also be extended to Pollok on the south side, Drumchapel in the north west, Easterhouse in the north east and Castlemilk in the south east.

The work will be funded by a £10 million Scottish Government scheme announced by transport secretary Michael Matheson on Tuesday.

Edinburgh City Council announced plans to close three roads by Sunday in the first stage of providing more space for walkers and cyclists.

BACKGROUND: Emergency closure of three Edinburgh roads for walkers and cyclists

Glasgow City Council leader Susan Aitken said: “When lockdown begins to ease, it is vital we do everything we can as a city to keep the coronavirus at bay.

“We want to ensure people are confiden they can move safely around the city, and access workplaces, shops, pubs, restaurants and other business when they begin to re-open.

“This is crucial not only for the health of our citizens, but also the health of our economy.

“Rethinking road space to allow for wider footways will be essential for people accessing businesses, public transport and other facilities, and these types of measures will be an important tool in getting the city up and running again.

“The imminent closure of Kelvin Way and plans to widen footways along Clyde Street and Broomielaw are the shape of things to come.

“I welcome the funding from the Scottish Government, which will enable us to accelerate these plans.

“We will be looking at communities in all parts of the city to see what measures can be put in place in the weeks and months ahead.”

Anna Richardson, the council’s sustainability and carbon reduction convener said: “Once restrictions begin to ease, it is crucial walking and cycling continue to be safe and convenient modes of transport that are good for health and air quality.

“We have already moved very far in a short space of time on the use of widened footpaths and cycle ways to support physical distancing.

“We hope these measures will help provide the necessary protection from Covid-19 but also lead to other public health benefits.”

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