Strathbungo footbridge set to open after months of work
The Strathbungo bridge has been installed as part of the Glasgow to Barrhead Electrification project which gives clearance for an electrified railway.
It is the replacement for the bridge which previously connected Darnley Road and Moray Place in the Southside for 146 years, and it will officially open on Friday, August 18.
Work began on the new bridge in March 2023 after 5000 local residents and businesses were asked to vote for their preferred design, choosing a bespoke curved design inspired by the former bridge.
Less than 100 metres from the footbridge, the new road bridge at Nithsdale Road was completed in January and provides an accessible route between Darnley Road, Moray Place and the wider area.
The new steel truss of the footbridge features a toughened glass parapet to achieve a solid but open look.
It also incorporates elements which are reminiscent of the old bridge, with black and white colouring and balustrades that match the existing railings at Moray Place.
We previously reported that the Victorian footbridge was rehomed and plans are underway for it to be installed at Brechin station[1] after it was deemed 'unviable' for it to stay in the city.
The bridge being dismantled. Photo by Colin Mearns (Image: Newsquest)
Michelle McCaig, Network Rail’s project manager for the footbridge work, said: “The new footbridge was necessary in allowing us to electrify the line in this location.
“We understood at an early stage[2] the significance the former footbridge held for the community and I want to thank residents and local businesses for their positive engagement in determining its design.
“I’m confident it will enjoy the same legacy as its predecessor and I’m very grateful to the community for the patience shown not just during the delivery of this work but the wider project."
The old Strathbungo bridge (Image: Newsquest)
Over the next few months, engineers will carry out snagging and finishing works to the overhead line equipment as part of the Glasgow to Barrhead project.
This will be followed by signalling commissioning and running test trains on the route in the autumn, ahead of the introduction of electric trains in December.
Michelle added: “The footbridge represents the completion of the last piece of structural engineering on the Glasgow – Barrhead project, as we move even closer to introducing greener and cleaner electric trains onto the route.”
References
- ^ Brechin station (www.glasgowtimes.co.uk)
- ^ stage (www.glasgowtimes.co.uk)