The proposed East Airdrie Link Road is planned to improve connectivity and reduce journey times across the region, including providing access to the state-of-the-art new University Hospital Monklands.

The council and the health board’s Monklands Replacement Project (MRP) have agreed a Memorandum of Understanding to work together to deliver the best outcomes for communities.

The Memorandum was signed by council chief executive Des Murray and Colin Lauder, NHS Lanarkshire interim chief executive and director of planning, property and performance.

The East Airdrie Link Road (EALR) is the name of the section of the Pan Lanarkshire orbital transport corridor that is planned to run between the M8 and the A73, south of Cumbernauld. The proposed road will run past the location of the new University Hospital Monklands at Wester Moffat, Airdrie, providing access to the site.

Speaking during a visit to the Wester Moffat site, Des Murray, North Lanarkshire Council chief executive, said: “Our Memorandum of Understanding underlines the partnership between the council and NHS Lanarkshire to ensure the hospital and road meet the needs of patients, families and hospital staff.

“We’re continuing to carry out regular consultations and engagement with local people as plans for the East Airdrie Link Road develop.”

Des’s sentiments were echoed by NHS Lanarkshire interim chief executive Colin Lauder, who is the health board officer with responsibility for delivering the MRP.

Colin added: “Our great working relationship with both of Lanarkshire’s local authorities is well known and this agreement with our colleagues at North Lanarkshire Council further underlines that spirit of co-operation.

“I was delighted to visit the site with Mr Murray to sign this important Memorandum. It spotlights the importance of the partnership working in the development of the road proposals to support our plans for Scotland’s most advanced hospital, which will bring fantastic healthcare benefits for communities across Lanarkshire.

“The council has exemplified strong partnership working by helping us ensure plans for the EALR’s route will support our patients, visitors and staff to reach the hospital.”

The new University Hospital Monklands is NHS Lanarkshire’s vision for a new net zero hospital, with the Scottish Government to consider the Full Business Case later this year.

Plans for the EALR estimate it will be operational by 2030 with the new hospital set to open in 2031.