A new shared crossing on the A72, Innerleithen Road, Peebles has been successfully completed and is now in use, making walking, wheeling and cycling in the area safer and more accessible for everyone
The new crossing is situated at the Peebles Hydro entrance with a path linking into Whitestone Park and the enhanced riverside walks. These are being upgraded through the Destination Tweed project, as part of the River Tweed Trail establishment. It also provides a link into the existing Tweed Valley Railway path, which has created a traffic-free connection to Glentress Mountain Biking Centre.
The project was funded by the Scottish Government and designed and delivered through our partnership with Sustrans.
Councillor Jenny Linehan, Executive Member for Environment and Transport, said:
“The new crossing makes a huge difference for non-motorist visitors who want to explore Peebles and the surrounding countryside. We’re really pleased we’ve been able to provide this safe link to the many existing and new paths in the area and look forward to seeing the anticipated increase in visitors to the area.”
Destination Tweed features the creation of the 113-mile River Tweed Trail from Moffat, passing the source of the River Tweed to Berwick Upon Tweed where the river meets the sea. The River Tweed Trail will be a new, largely off-road, linear long-distance route which will enable people to explore, enjoy and learn more about the cultural, natural and historical heritage associated with the river and its wider catchment.
Luke Fisher, Destination Tweed Project Director, said:
“Our aim is to make the River Tweed Trail one of the UK’s great long-distance trails, attracting tourists to the area as part of an initiative that is also delivering a host of economic, environmental, cultural, educational and community benefits. Elements like the new A72 crossing are essential to ensure that visitors and locals can enjoy this new recreational asset as safely as possible and we’re delighted to see its completion.”
Emilia Hanna, Head of National Cycle Network Development at Sustrans Scotland, added: “It is great to see the Peebles Hydro crossing already being used and enjoyed by the local community. When we make it easier and safer for people to walk, wheel and cycle, we save lives. Projects like this give people the confidence to travel actively, which is good for our health, the planet and saves money.
Russell Crighton, Peebles Hydro Hotel Resort Operations Manager, said:
"Peebles Hydro is delighted to be part of the shared use path connecting communities around Peebles in the Scottish Borders. The new path will be of great benefit to local cyclists and walkers as well as hotel guests."
Cabinet Secretary for Transport Fiona Hyslop said:
“I welcome the completion of the new shared-use crossing on the A72 at the Peebles Hydro Hotel, which has been completed thanks to £215,000 of funding from the Scottish Government and delivered through a partnership between Scottish Borders Council and Sustrans.
“The new crossing completes a traffic-free travel route to the Glentress Mountain Biking Centre and further on to the National Cycle Network Route at Innerleithen. This will allow local residents and visitors, including people from the mountain biking community to explore Peebles and the surrounding areas safely and in an environmentally conscious way.
“The Scottish Government continues to make significant investments in active travel with over £155 million already allocated this year. This is helping to build a more active nation, where more people choose to walk, wheel and cycle for shorter everyday journeys. The Scottish Government’s continued investment in projects like this one allow people to leave their cars at home and embrace a more active lifestyle for our health, wellbeing and climate.”
For more information on Destination Tweed Visit: www.destinationtweed.org