Plans for a new walking, wheeling and cycling link from Denny to Falkirk have taken an important step forward with the award of £454,000 in funding.

The money was received by Falkirk Council through the Sustrans Places for Everyone programme, which is funded by Transport Scotland. The funding will cover 100% of the design work of the project.

Initial proposals aim to repurpose a section of disused railway line for a shared use path to connect the communities of Denny and Bonnybridge to the Falkirk Wheel and Forth and Union Canal active travel network.

New paths

The ambitious project will involve creating 4km of new path, the construction of a new bridge over the M876 and repair works to the existing Roughmute Bridge and Bonny Water Viaduct structures.

An additional 1.5km spur will also be introduced to connect the community of Bonnybridge to the scheme.

With construction already taking place on the first phase of the route, Falkirk Council and transport consultants WSP are now working on the proposals, as well as to create a timeline for implementation.

Infrastructure Coordinator for Sustrans Alasdair Anderson welcomed the news. He said:

"We’re excited to be working with Falkirk Council to build this new route to create a new safe and fast connection from Denny for people to make their everyday journeys in a way that’s great for their wellbeing and good for the planet."

Councillor Paul Garner, Falkirk Council’s spokesperson for the Environment said:
 

“This new path will be a great asset for local residents and visitors alike. It will connect the communities of Denny and Bonnybridge  to  Falkirk and will allow users to explore this area easily on a proper path linking in to our extensive network.

“We hope that the initial work will start very soon and that everyone will enjoy this amenity when completed.”