The Renfrew Bridge – the first opening road bridge across the River Clyde – opened on Friday, marking the completion of the Clyde Waterfront and Renfrew Riverside project.
Renfrewshire Council has successfully delivered the £117million project, supported with £39million from both the Scottish and UK governments and £1.7million from Transport Scotland, and expect the bridge to open up work, health, education and leisure opportunities on both sides of the river – with the potential for 1,400 additional jobs, investment and developments to be brought to the riverside.
The 184-metre, twin-leaf bridge uses a cable stay system similar to the Queensferry Crossing and provides a two-lane crossing for vehicles, pedestrians and active travel as it connects Meadowside Street in Renfrew and Dock Street in Yoker, with the ability to open for passing ships as required.
In addition to the new bridge, the project has created additional connecting roads, cycling and walking routes, supported by £2milllion from Transport Scotland, including the extension of Argyll Avenue from Inchinnan Road to Meadowside Street and there will be a direct link to Yoker Railway Station from Renfrew for the first time.
The new bridge and adjoining roads have also improved access for people, businesses and suppliers to the Advanced Manufacturing Innovation District Scotland (AMIDS), Scotland’s home of manufacturing innovation, which is being developed by the Council next to Glasgow Airport in collaboration with Scottish Government and Scottish Enterprise.
Minister for Employment and Investment Tom Arthur said: “Renfrew Bridge’s opening is a historic moment, and it will be a welcome addition to the Clyde, creating opportunities for communities and businesses on both sides of the river and supporting 1,400 new jobs.
Civil engineers GRAHAM completed the project construction which has supported more than 950 jobs and generated hundreds of subcontract and supplier opportunities, many of which were completed by local businesses.
Jim Armour, GRAHAM’s Project Director, said: “The official opening of Renfrew Bridge represents the culmination of years of innovative engineering, collaborative working and community engagement. This transformational piece of infrastructure will revitalise an area that has endured industrial decline over many years.
“The twin leaf cable-stayed swing design presented unique engineering challenges, which our team overcame through innovation and value engineering. By reconfiguring the deck section and optimising the stay-cable configuration, we’ve delivered a more efficient structure with a 35% carbon reduction. We’re immensely proud to have constructed a landmark transport link that celebrates the shipbuilding heritage of the Clyde.”
As an opening bridge, river traffic will take priority so there may be occasions when the bridge is unavailable for crossing, but information will be posted as early in advance as possible on the council website and on digital traffic signage to support.
(Pic: Renfrewshire Council)
