Planning Applications Submitted for Key Sections of East Airdrie Link Road

North Lanarkshire Council and NHS Lanarkshire plan to submit a planning application in early 2026 for sections of the East Airdrie Link Road (EALR) that will support the new University Hospital Monklands at Wester Moffat, Airdrie.

The first application will cover the stretch from the hospital to A89 Forrest Street and will include a new Towers Road link connection. The scheme is designed to improve local traffic flow and active travel access to the hospital and surrounding areas. Key features include:

• A signalised roundabout at Towers Road/Varnsdorf Way

• Bridges over the North Calder Water

• A railway crossing

By enhancing road connections, the project aims to improve hospital access and strengthen links with the local community.

A second planning application for the full EALR will follow in Spring 2026, covering the route from just north of the M8 at the A73 Newhouse Interchange to the A73 north of Stand and Riggend.

Splitting the applications allows the council and NHS Lanarkshire to advance both the hospital and road projects simultaneously, potentially delivering this first section of the link road sooner.

These planning applications represent a key milestone for the EALR and the Monklands Replacement Project, which the council and NHS are coordinating to maximise economic benefits, employment opportunities, training, and local supply chain involvement.

The East Airdrie Link Road is being developed as part of the Glasgow City Region City Deal, with North Lanarkshire Council leading the delivery.