A £1.1 million cycle route project has been completed in South Lanarkshire.

The scheme, which was jointly funded by the council, Sustrans Scotland, Strathclyde Partnership for Transport and the Scottish Government, forms the final part of the National Cycle Network Route 74.

Works included altering a 5km stretch of the B7078 dual carriageway. The southbound carriageway was converted to a traffic free cycle and walking route, leaving the remaining northbound carriageway for all other vehicles.

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This new section runs from Lesmahagow to Happendon services. On the southern 1.3km of the route, an existing footway will be widened for both pedestrians and cyclists.

Daisy Narayanan, Acting Director, Sustrans Scotland, said: "We contributed funding towards the construction of this path through our Community Links Programme, which provides funding for the creation of cycling and walking network infrastructure for everyday journeys.

"Our National Cycle Network is a significant asset for Scotland as it connects many communities and allows people the opportunity to walk and cycle as their preferred choice of travel for their daily trips. This new traffic-free cycle path is an excellent facility which will encourage active travel and brings with it the many health, financial and environmental benefits."

(LM/MH)