WORK is underway to improve a popular coastal route in Port Glasgow.
Inverclyde Council, in partnership with Walk Wheel Cycle Trust (formerly Sustrans), is carrying out upgrades to National Cycle Network 75 at Kingston Dock to create better links for people to access parks, town centres and encourage active travel.
It follows recent investment at nearby Anderson Street to widen the pavement, create new pedestrian crossing points, and resurface the route.
The £850,000 funding has come from a Scottish Government grant specifically for active travel improvements.
To allow for the completion of the project at Kingston Dock, Lithgow Way will be closed for four weeks from Monday 19 January until Friday 13 February 2026. The existing paths in the estate are being widened, resurfaced and new lighting will be added.
Improvements have also been carried out at Tarbet Street, Gourock, where the north footway has been designated for pedestrians with the south footway for cyclists.
Further works are planned for Greenock to upgrade the existing active travel route between Battery Park and the Esplanade. The existing rubber ‘lane defenders’ will be replaced with a concrete kerb line.
Councillor Michael McCormick, Inverclyde Council’s convener of environment and regeneration, said: “Our partners Walk Wheel Cycle Trust have provided significant funding in recent years that has allowed us to introduce new routes and make improvements to existing routes to encourage more active travel, whether by foot, bike, or other modes of wheeled transport, and for those with prams or who use wheelchairs.
“As well as encouraging more environmentally friendly and healthier forms of transport and improving accessibility for everyone, the various projects are creating better links to our town and village centres to try and support local businesses.
“We’re also incredibly fortunate that the vast majority of our routes are along our spectacular coastline so the routes are as convenient as they are stunning.”
Cabinet Secretary for Transport Fiona Hyslop said: “I am pleased to see continued active travel improvements in Port Glasgow, supported with investment of £850,000 by the Scottish Government.
“The upgrades will make it easier and safer for people to walk, wheel and cycle, while also enhancing public spaces, improving access to key destinations across the area and connecting towards Greenock.
“To help local authorities deliver on their ambitions, the Scottish Government will invest over £188 million in active and sustainable transport in 2025-26. This investment will help people save money, improve health, and reduce reliance on private cars for shorter, everyday journeys.”
Simon Strain, head of delivery for the National Cycle Network in Scotland, Cymru and Northern Ireland at Walk Wheel Cycle Trust, said: “We’re delighted to continue working with Inverclyde Council on improvements for walking, wheeling and cycling in the area.
“Thanks to Scottish Government funding, we’re able to progress this work at pace and scale to deliver on the council’s active travel strategy and our vision for the National Cycle Network in Scotland.
“These improvements to the network between Greenock and Port Glasgow are making routes safe, attractive and accessible. This enables more people to choose to walk, wheel or cycle for local journeys, boosting our health and wellbeing and reducing our impact on the local environment.
“And in a place like Inverclyde, where we’re able to really make the most of the coastline, active travel is even more enjoyable.”
