IMPROVEMENTS for rail users in Alexandria and Balloch have been included in a country-wide “shopping list” of travel projects by government officials.

Transport Scotland has listed improvements to Alexandria railway station, new park and ride facilities at Balloch and an extended park and ride at Dalreoch, and quicker trains between Balloch and Glasgow among schemes being examined as part of the government’s second Strategic Transport Projects Review (STPR2).

Also included among hundreds of projects are improvements to the Dumbuck junction where the A814 meets the A82, and improvements for road users on the A82 itself, including a redesign of the Stoneymollan roundabout at Balloch and fixing the long-standing flooding problem in the Bowling/Milton area.

The “long list” also includes ‘active travel’ improvements between Balloch and Gartocharn, and developing a new King’s Highway route between Balloch and Stirling as an addition to the National Cycle Network.

Ross Greer, Scottish Green MSP for the West Scotland region, said: “This is the very first stage of deciding transport priorities for the next decade so some of the potential schemes are understandably a bit vague, but it’s good to see that there are some great ideas on the table in the Vale of Leven, where the transport system is in real need of attention.

“For example, improving the speed of the rail service from Balloch to Glasgow and improving station facilities will encourage more people to use the train and ease congestion on local roads. I’m also pleased to see ideas for active travel such as a Stirling to Balloch cycle route and a footway alongside the road to Gartocharn.

“But the Scottish Government needs a change of direction. Nowhere near enough investment goes into public transport and active travel in Scotland, and that needs to change.” If we’re serious about tackling the climate emergency, we need to stop building new roads and build a functioning modern public transport network instead.”