GRAHAM has broken ground on the upgrade of Aurs Road, located between Barrhead and Newton Mearns in Glasgow, Scotland, UK.  

This £22.68m ($28.70m) project, led by East Renfrewshire Council, is part of the Glasgow City Region City Deal.  

The ground-breaking ceremony was held last week. 

The development aims to convert the existing winding, single carriageway into a safer road by straightening out two sections of the road and replacing the weak road bridge. 

It will also add a new active travel route connecting Barrhead and Newton Mearns through Dams to Darnley Country Park, providing a secure route for walking, wheeling, and cycling. 

The project will create a 2km waterside promenade along Balgray Reservoir and a new 4km circular route around Balgray Reservoir. 

The circular route is anticipated to enhance the recreational experience for park visitors. 

GRAHAM contracts manager Jim Armour said: “We’re delighted to be officially starting work on transforming Aurs Road - to an improved and straightened road with active travel link.” 

UK Minister for Scotland Malcolm Offord added: “The UK government is supporting the project with £5.5m investment as part of the £524m Glasgow City Region Deal.  

“In total we are investing more than £2.9bn to level up communities across Scotland.” 

Aurs Road will remain closed until December this year, from the junction of Springfield Road in Barrhead to the junction of Stewarton Road in Newton Mearns. 

During the closure, diversion routes will be put in place via Stewarton Road, Nitshill Road, and Darnley Road, with appropriate signage to guide commuters. 

Additionally, Scottish Water will be responsible for the necessary reservoir maintenance for the project.