Work on the Clyde’s first opening road bridge is making progress as site clearances have started.
A Glasgow councillor has welcomed the two lane river crossing for the north west of the city, which will connect Renfrew with Yoker and Clydebank.
The 600-foot swing bridge will open for passing ships and would be used by vehicles, cyclists and pedestrians. The bridge project is estimated to cost £79.5 million.
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New approach roads will run from the bridge to near Lobnitz Dock Renfrew on the south side to the boundary between Yoker and Clydebank on the north side connecting with Dock Street. When a ship is due to pass the bridge will be closed to traffic for 40 minutes.
Site clearances began in February to pave the way for the structure according to a report due to go in front of councillors this week.
Labour councillor Eva Murray said she hopes the new route will improve Yoker residents access to the Queen Elizabeth Hospital.
The Garscadden, Scotstounhill politician said: “The bridge has the potential to be a real positive for the people of Yoker and across the North West of Glasgow.
“After what feels like delays and radio silence, I know many local people will be pleased to hear that it seems like we are starting to make progress but this is just the beginning.
“I have always said that the establishment of the bridge would need to go hand in hand with actual investment into Yoker. We do that by working with local businesses, education establishments and crucially community organisations and I hope that will be key to any next steps. That is where we will see the lasting success story.
“On a practical sense I am hopeful that the bridge will tackle the issue impacting many constituents of access to the QEUH and the work to ensure there are affordable transport options over the bridge will be a priority for me too.”
Firm GRAHAM has been selected to undertake the work by Renfrewshire Council, which is handling the project.
The Clyde Waterfront and Renfrew Riverside project is being funded by the UK and Scottish government under the Glasgow City Region City Deal.
Planning permission has been granted and construction is expected to take about three years to complete.
A new road is also to be built connecting the bridge to the Advanced Manufacturing Innovation District Scotland.
