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Secondment Spotlight – Russell Cramb Helps To Deliver NCN1 Scheme In Angus

Pedestrian and cycling crossing on NCN1 route
Off-road cycling & walking path

It’s been one month since the opening of a new scheme that provides off-road cycling and walking paths between Carnoustie and Monifieth, along the National Cycle Network route 1. We’re celebrating Russell Cramb who was seconded to the project as a Senior Engineer. Russell has been in civil engineering since 1986 and has made a significant impact on multiple projects in Scotland and England on the trunk roads, motorway networks and at many local councils. His design work, problem-solving skills, and ability to think on his feet have helped to enhance safety for cyclists and pedestrians in the local community.

The National Cycle Network Route 1 runs all the way from the Scottish Highlands down to the South coast of England. Russell was tasked with improving a section that had an extremely poor surface on a route shared by pedestrians, cyclists and vehicles with no segregation. This is located in the narrow corridor between Carnoustie Golf Course and the East Coast main railway line, approximately 1.5 miles long. Angus Council had received many reports of safety issues from both vulnerable road users and drivers. Funding was then approved by Sustrans Scotland to improve connectivity and encourage active travel along the route.

During each stage of the project, in partnership with Carnoustie Golf links Management and Tayside Contracts, Russell was tenacious and overcame many challenges to ensure top-quality, long-term and sustainable solutions. One of the most notable was the proposal to replace a bridge that was too narrow for three modes of transport. Russell had initially purchased a larger secondhand, refurbished bridge from Beaver Bridges for non-motorised users to sit alongside the existing bridge that would be used by vehicles. However, after Scottish Gas Networks had approved the proposal, it was deemed too risky to build the bridge over the river where a network of gas pipes was located.

Russell then worked with Clearview Intelligence and proposed the use of traffic signals on the existing bridge with Lidar technology, which detects pedestrians and cyclists 25 meters from the crossing and triggers a red light for vehicles – allowing them to safely cross without stopping. This is the first project in the UK to utilise this technology in this way. The secondhand bridge was also repurposed at a nearby location on a core path on the Carnoustie Golf Links, saving on energy and time (and costs too!)

Bridge

Russell also secured the use of swathes of the golf course to achieve the necessary cross-section to allow cycling and walking segregated from the passage of vehicles. Lots of considerations for sustainability were also built into the design. Around 420 pollinating trees were planted, along with wildflower seeds along any exposed earthworks and recycled rubber was also used for the new road humps.

Graeme Dailly, Director of Infrastructure & Environment at Angus Council commented on Russell’s valuable work:

“Following the opening event to celebrate the NCN1 Route between Monifieth and Carnoustie, I just wanted to personally thank you for your contribution and hard work on the project. Such schemes rely on many partners, but your input has been crucial to making the project a success and is recognised. Much appreciated and thank you!”

The scheme officially opened on 19th August 2024, with Karen McGregor – Director at Sustrans Scotland – in attendance, along with Russell and some of his colleagues at Angus Council.

We commend Russell for designing and supervising every aspect in these projects!

Find out more on the Sustrans website here:

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