An official opening event has taken place to mark the completion of two key infrastructure projects in Hawick, incorporating the town-wide active travel network and the A7 trunk road upgrade, delivered through the Hawick Flood Protection Scheme (HFPS).
Seven kilometres of improved and new active travel pathways stretching across Hawick from Weensland all the way to Volunteer Park, as well as the resurfacing of almost 2km of carriageway, have transformed the town’s river corridor into a safer, more attractive and accessible town.
Both projects represent a major investment into the town of Hawick and were officially opened yesterday (26 August) at a section of the route at Wee Haugh with Cabinet Secretary for Transport Fiona Hyslop MSP in attendance along with local elected members, SBC staff members, funding partners including Sustrans, Transport Scotland and other key stakeholders.
The new path network links previously disconnected neighbourhoods and enhances access to the surrounding countryside, with connections to walking, cycling, and horse-riding routes. These pathways offer residents and visitors the choice to walk, wheel, and cycle for everyday journeys, promoting healthier lifestyles and sustainable transport.
Upgraded and new public park spaces enhance biodiversity, boost outdoor leisure opportunities, and support the local economic activity by attracting visitors.
Approximately 34,000sqm of upgraded or new public green areas and landscaping has been created with over 2,500 new trees planted. The investment sees the renewal of the Common Haugh and Wee Haugh with the creation of Weensland Biodiversity Park, providing greenspaces that improve wellbeing for residents.
Over the course of the project substantial work has been undertaken to install three upgraded footbridges replacing the existing Lawson, Victoria and Mansfield footbridges and greatly improving connectivity over the River Teviot. Additionally, the provision of a long-called-for bridge connection between Lower Mansfield and Weensland was installed.
The second project delivered by HFPS in partnership with Transport Scotland was the significant upgrade to the A7 trunk road at Commercial Road. This saw the renewal of almost 2km of carriageway to cope with increased traffic levels to improve access for local businesses and residents.
Construction of this began in 2020 with approximately 3,500m of public utilities diverted to enable the works which combined the construction of the trunk road as well as flood defence on the main artery of the town.
Both projects have been made possible by close partnership working between SBC, Transport Scotland and Sustrans.
The Hawick Active Travel Network has been supported by £12.6 million of funding from the Scottish Government through Sustrans’ ‘Places for Everyone’ programme.
