The Project

The proposals include the upgrading of the existing A9/A904 road network between the Falkirk Gateway development site, the Falkirk Stadium site, the Helix and Kelpies Hub, Forth Valley College and the M9 Junction 6 Earlsgate Interchange.

These proposals will improve vehicle movements and accommodate increased traffic flow along with additional controlled crossings to allow for safe movement of pedestrians and cyclists along the route.

  • Road widening to create a dual carriageway on the A9 from Stadium Roundabout to the new Gateway Roundabout outside the Helix Park and A904 from east of Forth Valley College to M9 Junction 6 Earlsgate Interchange
  • Signalisation of the existing Westfield Roundabout with segregated left turn lanes on two arms.
  • Signalised pedestrian crossings on all arms of Westfield Roundabout
  • New West Mains Roundabout and Gateway Roundabout
  • On the A9 at the Helix Park entrance, the existing staggered controlled crossing will be maintained
  • At Earls Gate Roundabout, the existing staggered controlled crossing will be maintained.
  • Demolition of the existing Midthorn underpass, carriageway profile to be lowered to approximately 2 metres above existing ground level and signalised pedestrian crossing installed
  • A 3-metre shared-use footway/cycleway along A9 and A904 between Forth Valley College and Westfield roundabout
  • A 5-metre-wide shared-use footway/cycleway will also be provided along the A904 between Westfield roundabout and Earl’s Gate roundabout
  • Substantial earthworks including use of piled embankments
  • Introduction of significant Sustainable Drainage System to improve water run off including numerous ponds and wetland areas
    Biodiversity net gain of more than 8%
  • Diverse landscaping introducing almost 200 specimen trees including fruit and nut trees, 750 wet woodland trees, 775 scrub mix
    trees, more than 7500 ground cover and marginal mix plants, 5000 reed plants and 9000 hedgerow plants.

Project Funding

The project is being part funded through Falkirk Council’s Tax Incremental (TIF) funding mechanism. This is a way of local authorities financing debt through future business tax revenues generated by the new or improved infrastructure.

The TIF scheme is a significant initiative delivered in partnership by the Council, the Scottish Government and the Scottish Futures Trust and aims to boost the area’s economy.

Business rates, normally allocated to the Scottish Government, are ring fenced to fund the TIF programme, so none of the investment comes from the Council’s budget.

The project is also part funded by the UK Government.