North Lanarkshire Council and NHS Lanarkshire have confirmed that a planning application will be submitted in early 2026 for critical sections of a new link road.

The project is designed to facilitate the delivery of the East Airdrie Link Road (EALR) while providing essential secondary access to the new University Hospital Monklands site at Wester Moffat.

This initial application focuses on a vital stretch of the EALR extending from the hospital to the A89 Forrest Street, including the new Towers Road link connection. The infrastructure will feature a signalised roundabout at the Towers Road/Varnsdorf Way junction, along with new bridges spanning the North Calder Water and the local railway line.

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By improving local road networks and active travel connections, the project aims to ensure the new hospital is well-integrated into the surrounding community.

A second, more extensive planning application is scheduled for submission in spring 2026. This will cover the full scope of the EALR, a single-carriageway route running from the A73 Newhouse Interchange (just north of the M8) to a point on the A73 north of Stand and Riggend.

Splitting the planning process into two distinct applications allows North Lanarkshire Council and NHS Lanarkshire to align the road and hospital construction schedules. This strategy is intended to accelerate the delivery of the link road sections if the plans are approved.

The council is spearheading the development of the East Airdrie Link Road as part of the Glasgow City Region City Deal. Both organisations have pledged to work in partnership to ensure the projects generate maximum economic value for the area through local supply chain engagement, training programmes, and employment opportunities.

The submission of these plans represents a major milestone for the Monklands Replacement Project and the wider regional transport strategy.