Published on:
08
May 2008
Waggon Way is an 18th Century rail line that runs from King Street under Alloa's town centre streets until it re-emerges at Lime Tree House. From the late 1700's rail trucks full of coal were drawn by horses from the coal mines in Sauchie to Alloa Harbour. Waggon Way is one of the oldest rail lines in Scotland.
In recent years Waggon Way has been used as a path between the old Ring Road and Castle Street. It suffered from poor drainage, had a very poor surface, walls and tunnels were in need of repair and the lighting in the tunnels was damaged. Over the last year Clackmannanshire Council with significant funding from SEStran, South East Scotland Transport Partnership, have replaced and widened the path, sorted the drainage, provided new tunnel lighting, replaced a section of dangerous wall and re-pointed the masonry work in the tunnels.
The Waggon Way can now be used by cyclists and links the National Cycle route between Alloa and Stirling and Dunfermline with the Devonway to Sauchie and the Hillfoots.
Councillor Eddie Carrick said: "The re-opening of the Waggon Way brings back to life more of Alloa's history and will provide a quick and traffic free route between King Street and the new Alloa Academy."
Alan Murray, Team Leader for Traffic and Transportation said, "Over the next few months the old Pelican crossing near to Primrose Street will be moved and upgraded to provide a convenient link for pedestrians and cyclists, over the dual-carriageway, to Erskine Street Bridge and Argyll Street Bridge, to the Devonway and on to the new Sauchie Hospital".
SEStran Chair, Cllr Russell Imrie, said:
"Waggon Way is an important part of Clackmannanshire's industrial history. SEStran has contributed over £115,000 towards repairs and development including; replacing the slabbed surface, widening the path, installing CCTV, better lighting and environmental improvements. Now, Waggon Way provides a safe route for cyclists in the heart of Alloa."
"SEStran is committed to promoting cycling as a transport option within South East Scotland, to help cut congestion, reduce the region's carbon footprint and improve public health. In cooperation with our local authority partners, we are working towards the development of a comprehensive network of cycle paths throughout the region."
There will be a photo opportunity with Councillor Carrick at the Lime Tree House end of Waggon Way at 13.00 on Friday 9 May.