A major transformation is underway in Glasgow's West End, as construction begins on the Connecting Yorkhill and Kelvingrove initiative, a project aimed at making walking, wheeling, and cycling safer and more accessible.

The project, which officially broke ground in October, marks a significant step in the city's ongoing efforts to create more welcoming, people-focused streets. The first phase will redesign 1.2km of routes, including Radnor Street, Haugh Road, Gilbert Street, and Sandyford Street, delivering a range of public realm upgrades to improve how people move through the area.

At the centre of the scheme is a new segregated, bi-directional cycleway linking the Spaces for People route on Kelvin Way to the Clydeside, and connecting with major active travel routes such as Old Dumbarton Road, Centurion Way, and National Cycle Network Route 7. This enhanced network will provide safer, more sustainable access to popular cultural destinations including Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum, Kelvingrove Park, the Riverside Museum, and the new Govan-Partick Bridge, while also improving links to the University of Glasgow.

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In addition to cycling improvements, residents and visitors will benefit from wider, upgraded footways, new pedestrian crossings, tactile paving, and dropped kerbs to enhance step-free access. Public spaces will also be revitalised with energy-efficient LED lighting, new seating, vibrant wayfinding artwork, and refreshed signage. To support biodiversity and climate resilience, the scheme will include tree planting, new raingardens, and sustainable drainage features that absorb rainwater naturally. Secure on-street cycle storage units will also be introduced to encourage cycling among local residents.

Councillor Angus Millar, Convener for Transport and Climate, welcomed the start of construction during a site visit with Cabinet Secretary for Transport Fiona Hyslop and local active travel advocates.

"This transformative infrastructure project will see major investment in the Yorkhill and Kelvingrove areas, upgrading streets and significantly improving safety and accessibility for everyone who walks, wheels, and cycles. By connecting with existing active travel networks, it will make it easier for people to move around the city and reach some of Glasgow's most popular destinations in a sustainable and confident way.

"What's especially exciting is how this project has been shaped by the local community, and from the extensive engagement that has taken place we are now delivering improvements to put people first, enhance connections, and make it easier for everyone to get around safely and conveniently.

"At its core, Connecting Yorkhill and Kelvingrove is about creating a healthier, greener, and better-connected community for all. As well as investing in creating more attractive streets with new trees, raingardens and improved lighting and drainage, we are making walking, wheeling and cycling a more realistic option by continuing to build out a city-wide network of safer active travel routes to help people get about Glasgow."