A CYCLE and pedestrian route which will link the south side with the Merchant City could be finished next year.

The South City Way scheme, starting at Queen’s Park and finishing at Stockwell Street, was the winner of last year’s Community Links Plus competition run by Sustrans Scotland.

It aims to inspire public bodies to design better places and spaces for people to live, walk and cycle.

The Scottish Government has funded half the £6.5 million cost of the scheme with the city council paying the balance.

Work on the scheme began this week and is expected to be finished next year.

Council bosses say it should result in journey times between Queen’s Park and the city centre taking 30 minutes on foot and 12 minutes by bike.

The first phase on Albert Avenue and Albert Road will result in sections of the streets joining Victoria Road transformed into attractive pedestrianised public areas with cycle racks and green space.

Transport Minister Humza Yousaf said: “Glasgow City Council has demonstrated real vision through its commitment to develop this major active travel route.

“The expert panel who evaluated the 2016 bid was incredibly impressed with the high level of design and innovation shown by the South City Way project.

“This infrastructure will allow generations of people to better and easier enjoy the benefits of greener and healthier modes of transport.”

Daisy Narayan, Sustrans Scotland deputy director, said the scheme showed real ambition and vision towards improving conditions for people who choose to work or cycle.

She added: “The South City Way will improve travel choices for residents and visitors. It will reduce congestion, improve air quality, enable easier use of public transport and create places where people want to socialise, shop and spend time.”