Current status: Answered by Fiona Hyslop on 15 November 2024
To ask the Scottish Government for what reason the replacement barriers installed on the parapets and ramps of the M8 at Charing Cross (a) are reportedly approximately twice the height of the ones that they are replacing and (b) have reportedly been finished in bare galvanised steel rather than a visually neutral painted finish, similar to the previous ones, and what its position is on whether this design complies with its and Glasgow City Council's agreement to collaborate to reduce any adverse impact of the M8 on central Glasgow's urban environment, particularly in light of Charing Cross being situated adjacent to both the Glasgow Central Conservation Area and Woodlands Conservation Area.
(a) The new parapets at Charing Cross have been increased in height from 1.1 metres to 1.5 metres, which is a 36% increase, to comply with the current national design standards that require a minimum of a 1.4 metre high parapets where routes can be used by cyclists. This was necessary due to the installation of the new cycle lanes around Charing Cross.
(b) The works were designed and constructed in collaboration with Glasgow City Council and their Phase 2 of Connecting Woodside Project. Parapets are galvanised to increase their resistance to corrosion, which is more durable than a painted finish. While the galvanising can be over-painted, the paint does not bond well and is more expensive. Over time, the galvanised finish will weather and be less obtrusive.