The fourth phase of a major relief road project is due to begin in East Dunbartonshire.

The Bishopbriggs Relief Road scheme aims to cut congestion, support new investment, improve air quality and encourage active travel in the region.

The £6.5 million phase is being delivered by Morrisons and will replace the existing Westerhill Road and tie into the third section at the roundabout on Wester Cleddens Road.

Features include:

• A two-lane 50mph road – stretching 600 metres between Wester Cleddens Roundabout and a new roundabout, with another 100 metres of road on the north side of the railway

• A new bridge over the main Edinburgh-Glasgow railway line

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• Two Sustainable Urban Drainage ponds.

Phases one and two of the project are complete and connect drivers to the Robroyston roundabout and onto the M80.

Phase three was wholly funded by developers' contributions and delivered by Taylor Wimpey as part of the planning obligations associated with their Bishopbriggs East housing development.

Once works on the fourth phase are completed, the Westerhill Road and bridge will become an active travel corridor for pedestrians and cyclists. The road will be upgraded and crossings installed, while investigations are underway into the possibility of developing further links to Lenzie and Bishopbriggs town centre.

To facilitate the project, Westerhill Road will be closed from 24 June 2016 to 17 April 2017. Diversions will be in place.

Councillor Alan Moir said: "Once complete, the road will reduce the number of vehicles queuing up to travel through Bishopbriggs town centre – cutting congestion, improving air quality and increasing economic vitality by giving shoppers quicker access to local retailers and services.

"In addition, it will improve links to Westerhill Business Park – an area of economic importance in East Dunbartonshire – encouraging investment and supporting job creation."

The works are due to be completed by summer 2017.

(LM/JP)