The £6.5 million fourth phase of the Bishopbriggs Relief Road project has been delayed until early next year, it has been announced.

Following a recent meeting between East Dunbartonshire Council and Network Rail, the local authority has confirmed the scheme's completion date has been pushed back to early 2018.

This is due to the need to relocate utility cables and ongoing wider works to deliver the Edinburgh Glasgow Improvement Programme (EGIP), which is being carried out by Network Rail.

The fourth phase of the road upgrade project is being delivered by Morrison Construction. It involves the creation of a new road between the end of Phase 3, at Wester Cleddens Roundabout, and a new roundabout near the Aviva offices on Westerhill Road. In addition, a new bridge is being created over the Edinburgh-Glasgow railway line as well as a new access road for Cadder Yard.

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However, further work ongoing on the EGIP has delayed the installation of the new bridge.

Cllr Jim Gibbons said: "The Council is disappointed at the wider works outwith its control which are now impacting on the timing of the delivery of the road and fully share the frustrations of local residents and businesses.

"It is, however, essential to ensure that the relief road and the EGIP are delivered safely and that any issues which come to light, such as the need for utility relocation, are dealt with as they arise.

"Rest assured, we will continue to work with all parties involved - particularly Network Rail - to ensure any further delays are kept to a minimum wherever this is within our control and officers have escalated matters with our delivery partners.

"Based on the current programme for the installation of the bridge over the railway line, officers are advising that the road is programmed for completion by February next year."

(LM/MH)