The expansion of Scotland’s biggest new town took a major step forward yesterday as the growing community of Winchburgh was linked directly to the M9.
The re-opening of B8020 Beatlie Road in Winchburgh marks a significant step forward in Winchburgh Developments Limited’s masterplan for the village and its commitment to create a high-capacity core road linking the village to the M9.
As a result of the road re-opening, residents, businesses, and visitors will now be able to easily access trunk road routes across the central belt that have previously completely bypassed the community. The investment of over £20m in Junction 1B and Beatlie Road means Winchburgh is now the first motorway junction west of the M9 access to the Queensferry Crossing, and is just three miles west of Junction 1 Newbridge.
Completion of the Beatlie Road link means local residents will no longer have to use diversions, which have been in place for almost two years, and will be able to access direct routes to Livingston, Stirling and Edinburgh, shortening trips to the capital substantially.
Residents can now also access new footpaths on Beatlie Road and safe walking and cycle routes under the rail bridge to Duntarvie Castle for the first time. New street lighting has been installed and a pedestrian route under the Beatlie Bridge has been created to encourage accessibility in line with Winchburgh Developments’ vision for the village to be a thriving, active community.
John Hamilton, CEO of Winchburgh Developments, said: “The opening of the direct link road to the motorway marks a major milestone in Winchburgh’s history and we are delighted that the local community can now enjoy more direct routes to Edinburgh and beyond. We’d like to thank them for their support and patience while these important works were completed.
“Despite being a major location for shale mining and brick manufacturing in the first half of the 20th century, Winchburgh was bypassed by the construction of the M8 and M9 in the 1960s and 1970s, resulting in a sub-standard local road network. The junction will really put Winchburgh on the map, cementing it as one of the UK’s most exciting places to live.”
Local residents and businesses have welcomed the opening of the link road. Mandy Baird, Community Councillor and long-standing resident, said: “I am delighted to see the new junction opening. This will have a huge impact for everyone from the village as having the new junction will improve journey times for all road users going to and from the village. Another big plus for me and the residents of Kirkliston is there will be no more having to sit and wait for ages in the traffic congestion anymore - you can drive straight down to the new junction and head in both directions down the M9 and the same coming home”.
Graham Campbell, Community Council chairman, added: “The community council is delighted to see the motorway slip-road project opening, and welcome its strengthening of traffic links in the village. This has been a long-awaited aspect of the masterplan for the village, which we are sure will be roundly welcomed by the community as a whole.”
The range of homes available in Winchburgh is designed to appeal to a wide range of buyers, with both private and affordable offerings for young professionals, first-timers, growing families and older couples looking to downsize. The first canal-side apartments will be occupied this summer to coincide with Scottish Canals bringing the marina into operational use and introducing canal barges and leisure boats to the emerging Town Centre area for the first time.
Completion of the core infrastructure alongside new homes, schools, shops, parks, and leisure facilities is key to Winchburgh Developments’ ongoing successful delivery of its masterplan for the expanding community. The new junction and extensive investment in core and distributor road links is integral to Winchburgh’s public transport strategy.
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