THE first opening road bridge over the River Clyde has been hailed as a “game changer”.

We previously reported that the first section of the Renfrew Bridge had arrived last month.

Now, politicians have visited the Renfrewshire side after the south section of the 184-metre cable-stayed twin-lead bridge – which will connect Renfrew with Yoker and Clydebank - was installed at Meadowside Street. 

Glasgow Times: Lord Cameron and Iain Nicolson, leader of Renfrewshire Council visiting the Renfrewshire siteLord Cameron and Iain Nicolson, leader of Renfrewshire Council visiting the Renfrewshire site (Image: Renfrewshire Council)The second section of the bridge is expected to arrive later this month and will be fixed into place at Dock Street in Clydebank.

For the first time, this will bring a direct link across the Clyde between the two towns.

Iain Nicolson, leader of Renfrewshire Council, said: “This project is going to be a gamechanger not only for the two towns but for wider Renfrewshire and the Glasgow City Region.

“The investment of £117million into Renfrewshire through this project outlines this council’s continued ability to deliver nationally significant projects successfully – with the renovation of Paisley Town Hall into one of Scotland’s top entertainment venues, the creation of the Paisley Learning and Cultural Hub, and the ongoing transformation of Paisley Museum into a world-class visitor destination further proof of positive capital investment we are bringing to the area.

“The new bridge, and its new connecting roads and active travel routes, will offer opportunities on both sides of the river – not only for connectivity and leisure but for access to new homes, developments and highly skilled jobs within the Advanced Manufacturing Innovation District Scotland (AMIDS) based at Netherton next to Glasgow Airport.”

Glasgow Times: Renfrew Bridge passing under the Erskine BridgeRenfrew Bridge passing under the Erskine Bridge (Image: Renfrewshire Council)The new bridge is part of the £117 million Clyde Waterfront and Renfrew Riverside Project.

This is being led by Renfrewshire Council and jointly funded by the UK and Scottish Governments as part of the £1.3 billion Glasgow City Region City Deal.

Glasgow Times: The south section of the Renfrew Bridge The south section of the Renfrew Bridge (Image: Renfrewshire Council)The crossing is hoped to open up work, health, education, and leisure opportunities on both sides of the Clyde with the potential for thousands of additional jobs, investment, and new developments.

As well as the new bridge the project will create connecting roads and cycling and walking routes which will link Inchinnan Road in Renfrew with Yoker Railway Station via the Renfrew North Development Road.

Civil engineer GRAHAM is delivering the project which has supported more than 950 jobs during its construction and generated hundreds of subcontract and supplier opportunities, many of which were taken on by businesses in the local area.

The Renfrew Bridge is expected to be completed ahead of schedule and be fully operational for pedestrians, cyclists, and motorists by Autumn 2024.

For further information visit Renfrewshire Council’s website HERE.