The project to build a new bridge spanning the River Clyde in Scotland is now to go ahead. The project is worth some €90.85 million (£79.5 million) and was awarded to the civil engineering firm, Graham by Renfrewshire Council. The civil engineering firm is partnering with Amey and Ramboll, which will work on the design portion of the project. Several other firms competed in the bidding process for the construction of the new bridge, including Balfour Beatty and a joint venture team comprising American Bridge and Roadbridge.
The swing bridge will feature a novel twin-leaf design and will connect Yoker and Renfrew, carrying vehicles, pedestrians and cyclists. The project is of note as the 186m link will be the first opening bridge to be built in Scotland and it will also be able to be raised, allowing vessels to pass. Construction of the new bridge is expected to require 36 months to complete, with work due to commence shortly. The necessary planning approvals have already been given for the work to go ahead. With the construction of the bridge, local traffic will no longer have to use the ferry service. The new link will also provide a connection for local traffic to the commercial zone adjacent to Glasgow Airport. However, the vast majority of traffic will continue to use the M8 motorway to access the airport itself.
