The Aurs Road Improvement works are due to be finished by spring 2026 after being pushed back for a second time earlier this year.
Originally it was said the project would cost £22.68 million, but last week it was revealed that due to “site challenges” the projected cost is now expected to be £28m.
Cllr Chris Lunday stated that many will share his disappointment that the roads upgrade is running more than a year late and could cost far higher than the original budget.
The Aurs Road works (Image: Drone Scotland/Graham) “The completion date has slipped from early 2025 to spring 2026,” he said.
“These delays and cost overruns are extremely frustrating, especially given the disruption residents have already faced.
“Extra survey work, design changes, and utility complications have all driven up costs, with the council now having to dip into reserves and borrow more money to cover the shortfall.”
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The council has said that the majority of the funding is already in place, but a further £4.3m is expected to be required.
At a full council meeting tomorrow (September 10), councillors will be asked to approve a sum of up to £6.9 million to meet the shortfall for the project and allow for variances in cost estimates.
The council’s maximum contribution to the completion of the new Aurs Road, promenade and associated active travel route is £8.7m.
If the increased budget is approved by councillors, the project would be funded as follows: Scottish and UK Governments – £11.8m (42%), Sustrans’ Places for Everyone programme (funded by Scottish Government) – £8.6m (31%), ERC – £6.1m (22%), and developer contributions – £1.4m (5%).
“At the full council meeting, I will be raising questions about the project,” he added.
“While I welcome the eventual outcome, I share the community’s frustrations at how this project has been managed.
“You deserve straight answers, and I will make sure those questions are asked.”
The Aurs Road works (Image: Drone Scotland/Graham) The transformation of Aurs Road between Barrhead and Newton Mearns began in January 2024, with the route originally set to be closed for 12 months.
In October last year, the local authority announced an initial revised completion date of summer 2025, but issues encountered by the project team meant that would not be possible and the project’s completion date was pushed back again.
According to the local authority, a range of factors have impacted the timescale for delivering the project, including challenging ground conditions, moving unmapped utilities and the excavation of a former water works structure.
An area of subsidence was also identified which required part of the scheme to be redesigned.
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Despite frustrations over the project’s management, Cllr Lunday said that the community must also recognise the project will deliver “real benefits for the area”.
These he said include a safer, straighter road between Barrhead and Newton Mearns, and a new promenade and active travel route along Balgray Reservoir.
“Infrastructure that will be enjoyed by drivers, cyclists and walkers alike for years to come,” explained the Cllr for Barrhead, Liboside and Uplawmoor.
Despite the challenges it has faced, the local authority has said that work is progressing well.
Nearly 90% of the promenade wall has been completed, two new bridges are in place, part of the road surface is now laid, and work on a new roundabout junction is underway.
Caitriona McAuley, director of environment at East Renfrewshire Council (ERC), said: “The Aurs Road improvement project is a critical part of East Renfrewshire’s City Deal programme.
“The focus remains on completing this project as soon as possible and continuing to manage the costs through regular and sustained scrutiny.
“While the project has taken longer than expected and costs have increased, these much-needed improvements will be worthwhile in the long-term, providing better transport links and an impressive waterside promenade to benefit local communities.”