The city council aims to create a new ‘connected urban environment’ at the site by installing a large deck, or cap, over the road so that it runs in a tunnel. Redesigned public realm would extend between Woodlands Road and St Vincent Street.

Details of the scheme are contained in the city’s new ‘Greenprint for Investment’ which details a multi billion pound package of projects designed to help the city reach net zero by 2030. It also comes one month ahead of Glasgow’s hosting of the COP26 climate change summit.

The council says that improving connectivity for people throughout the Charing Cross area would enhance access between the city centre and cultural attractions to the west. Estimates put the cost of the scheme at between £60 million and £80 million and a feasibility study is currently under way.

The proposal was welcomed by Living Streets Scotland’s director Stuart Hay. “The enhanced connectivity and reduction in traffic offered by the Charing Cross M8 Green Infrastructure Cap will make the public space more inviting and convenient for pedestrians.”

But he added that Glasgow also needs to “get the basics right” and make improvements to the pedestrian experience across the city. “Clear footways, better crossings and slower speeds on our streets will make it easier and more welcoming for people to choose cleaner ways to get around.”

A second transport initiative outlined by the city’s ‘Greenprint for Investment’ is development of a metro network linking the centre with the wider Glasgow region. A strategic transport projects review published by Transport Scotland in February said that such a network could take the form of a bus rapid transit, tram or light rail.

Routes may include new alignments, bringing disused rail lines back into use or converting existing rail networks to a new mode.

Eight further projects set out as priorities to consider for the next 10 years include planting a new forest of 18 million trees across the city and a more sustainable heating network for Glasgow.

“The success of COP26 will be measured by how cities can take the practical steps necessary to secure the future of our planet,” said Glasgow City Council leader Susan Aitken. “Our greenprint provides a major part of our roadmap to doing just that.”

(Image: Glasgow City Council)