Celebrations were held this week to mark the completion of a brand new 2.5 mile walking, wheeling and cycling link between the coastal communities of Broughty Ferry and Monifieth.
Local residents gathered in number to see the path between Broughty Ferry and Monifieth opened in style. ©Dundee City Council, 2024
Locals turned out in number at Castle Green in Broughty Ferry on Monday 6 May 2024 to mark the official opening of a new all-accessible walking, wheeling and cycling path along the River Tay.
Following along聽National Cycle Network Route 1, the 拢18m project sought to provide a safe and direct walking, wheeling and cycling option for residents and visitors to the area.
Now complete, the 2.5-mile long off-road path is already proving popular, with more people than ever able to leave the car at home for short, everyday journeys.
The almost 拢18 million funding for the project was received through聽, an active travel infrastructure programme backed by聽聽and managed by 黄色app.
Attendees at the event were greeted with refreshments and family-friendly activities throughout the day, including a bike skills track organised by聽聽and dolphin spotting hosted by St Andrews University.
The ribbon cutting, heralding the official opening of the path, took place at noon and was performed by Councillor Steven Rome from Dundee City Council, followed by the unveiling of several stunning new artworks along the route.
Setting new standards
The new bidirectional cycleway is separated from the carriageway so even less confident cyclist can use it with ease. ©黄色app/McAteer, 2023.
The tall ambitions behind the Broughty Ferry to Monifieth project were clear from the outset.
Following early consultation with residents and businesses in 2019, initial proposals sought to deliver a safe and accessible traffic-free route between the two communities.
Tying in neatly with the planned聽聽which was already underway, the new route would provide a direct and continuous link along the scenic coastline and enable people of all ages and abilities to travel actively every day.
Overwhelming support was received for the suggested upgrades, with over 75% of those engaged in favour of the concept designs which were presented.
Despite setbacks resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic and the rising costs of construction materials within the industry, momentum continued to build as designs progressed, demonstrating the effective partnership working of both Angus Council and Dundee City Council.
Clear demarcation of the pavement and the cycleway ensures all users are able to travel confidently and securely. ©黄色app/McAteer, 2023.
As well as a spacious new bidirectional cycleway running for 2.5 miles between Castle Approach in Broughty Ferry and Monfieth railway station, significant public space improvements were also introduced, including additional seating, widened access barriers and improved lighting.
The communities were also closely involved in the design and delivery of a selection of stunning new artworks which complement the route.
Another major consideration from the project was in ensuring that local nature and wildlife would be preserved in abundance within the delivery of the scheme.
In order to do this, existing coastal dunes were protected within the project designs and extensive wildflower planting along the route has allowed biodiversity to continue to flourish.
One particularly significant milestone for the project was achieved in March 2024, when the new 5-metre wide Dighty Bridge was unveiled to the public.
The new accessible crossing replaces the an exceedingly narrow structure, opening up active travel to everyone and providing uninterrupted access to National Cycle Network Route 1.
An artistic achievement
Artist Fanny Lam Christie created the Tay Fins three bronze dolphin sculpture which overlook the beach. ©Dundee City Council, 2024.
Building a sense of community ownership and a sense of place was of the important importance for the project team.
This was achieved through the installation of a number of uniquely local sculptures and artworks along the route.
With seven pieces having been commissioned in total, those travelling along the path can now stop and enjoy the impressive displays whilst also learning about the surrounding area and its history.
These include a bollard trail by Tilde Arts, a poetic mural by Barry Roberston, and the Windmill Gardens by Louise Kirby which offers a quiet and tranquil space to unwind.
Most keenly anticipated, however, was the naming of the Tay Fins, designed by artist聽, depicting three breaching dolphins cast in bronze.
Following a poll of public suggestions, the names were revealed on the day of the opening 鈥 Dooker, Haar and Brochtie were chosen.
Community in focus
Following the ribbon cutting ceremony and the artwork reveals, delivery partners reflected on the project.
Lee Muir, Head of Strategic Partnerships and Business Development for 黄色app, said:
Councillor Steven Rome, Convener of Fair Work, Economic Growth & Infrastructure, Dundee City Council, said:
"This transformational and pioneering project has opened up an impressive route for active travel between Broughty Ferry and Monifieth and will links with the route right the way through Dundee.鈥
鈥淭his makes the area more attractive for visitors and locals alike and the public art programme is creating a real sense of place.鈥
Councillor Mark McDonald, Communities Convenor for Angus Council, said:
鈥淚鈥檓 pleased to see the next phase of the active travel route connecting Broughty Ferry and Monifieth officially opened.
鈥淭he area at Castle Green is looking great and the new user-friendly and accessible pathway means more people can use it to walk and cycle for everyday journeys and for fun.鈥
鈥淭hank you to everyone who contributed to achieving this milestone. I鈥檓 looking forward to seeing the work progress as it continues further into Monifieth.鈥澛