Whenever you're about driving in Dundee, there's a chance you'll head on the Kingsway, which serves as one of the primary routes through the city. It connects various parts of Dundee and is an essential link for traffic passing through the city. Here are eight cool facts that you might not know about the Kingsway.
It was thought up by the architect of the Caird Hall
The Caird Hall's architect, James Thomson, who was the City Engineer, thought up of the idea of the Kingsway. Thomson's forward-thinking approach to urban planning and architecture left a lasting impact on Dundee's infrastructure and development. His dual role as an architect and City Engineer allowed him to seamlessly integrate his creative vision with practical solutions, shaping the city's landscape for generations to come.
It was named for Edward VII
The name Kingsway, was initially created during the planning phase, and it was intended to honour the reigning monarch at that time, Edward VII, even though the construction was actually completed during the reign of George V, the grandson of Queen Victoria and Prince Albert.
It opened in 1919 after eight years of planning
The Kingsway officially opened to the public in 1919, marking the culmination of an intricate planning process that commenced back in 1911. This grand opening symbolised a significant milestone in urban development, as the meticulous planning and execution of this project spanned several years, reflecting a commitment to enhancing the city's infrastructure and connectivity.
It was intended to be a tree-lined avenue
The Kingsway was originally conceived to be a wide, tree-lined avenue, was a long time in the planning and construction, however due to the ever growing industries and the need for housing, this idea was initially scrapped.
It has 7 circles/roundabouts
The Kingsway has seven roundabouts, or in Dundee terms, circles. They are:
Swallow Roundabout
Myrekirk Roundabout
Strathmartine Roundabout
Old Glamis Road Roundabout
Pitkerro Roundabout
Mid-Craigie Roundabout
Scott Fyffe Roundabout
Caird Park is where West meets East
The Kingsway is split into two sections, Kingsway West and Kingsway East, which converge at the Forfar Road Junction right next to Caird Park.
It stretches 5.5 miles
The Kingsway stretches for about 5.5 miles (8.85 kilometres) across the northern part of Dundee. It connects the A90, which runs north to Aberdeen, with the A92, heading towards Arbroath and the East Neuk of Fife.
Many thought it would be a waste of time
Many Dundonians during the planning stages of the Kingsway thought it would be a waste of time to build as there wouldn't be enough traffic to justify it - turns out that was not the case at all!
