Final section of the Renfrew Bridge has arrived in Renfrewshire

The first opening road bridge across the River Clyde is a step closer to completion as the final section of the structure has arrived in Renfrewshire.

The north section of the 184-metre cable-stayed twin-leaf bridge has arrived on the River Clyde and will now be installed into place by civil engineers GRAHAM at Dock Street in Clydebank, West Dunbartonshire.

A key part of the £117 million Clyde Waterfront and Renfrew Riverside project being led by Renfrewshire Council, the new bridge will connect Renfrew with Clydebank and Yoker directly for the first time – and is set to open up work, health, education and leisure opportunities for communities on both sides of the river.

The project will also create additional connecting roads, cycling and walking routes which provide active travel and road links from Yoker railway station to Inchinnan Road in Renfrew, and on to the Advanced Manufacturing Innovation District Scotland (AMIDS) – Scotland’s home of manufacturing innovation.

Renfrew councillor Jamie McGuire is “thrilled” about the prospects the infrastructure could bring to the area.

He told the Paisley Daily Express : “The significance of this bridge extends far beyond mere connectivity. It represents a bold step towards progress, a symbol of Renfrew’s forward-thinking approach.

“This infrastructure project opens doors to a myriad of possibilities, promising a brighter future for both residents and businesses alike.

“I am excited about the positive changes this bridge brings. It represents progress with a purpose, blending modernity with the town’s rich heritage.

“The synergy of economic growth and enhanced accessibility makes this infrastructure a cornerstone of Renfrew’s future success.”

The bridge is a key part of Renfrewshire Council’s capital investment programme which also includes the modernisation of Paisley Town Hall into one of Scotland’s top entertainment venues, the creation of the award-winning learning and cultural hub on Paisley High Street, the renewal of Paisley Arts Centre into a unique performance venue and the transformation of Paisley Museum into a world-class visitor destination.

Council leader Iain Nicolson said: “This project further outlines this council’s ability to deliver nationally significant infrastructure projects successfully and it brings with it the potential for thousands of additional jobs, investment and developments to the riverside.

“It will be yet another boost to AMIDS, as well as Westway, Glasgow Airport and the Inchinnan Business Park, as we seek to attract world-class organisations to choose Renfrewshire as their base – and bring with them highly-skilled jobs for those who live here – and I look forward to the second section of the bridge being installed ahead of its scheduled opening later in the year.”

The bridge will improve access for businesses and suppliers to Scotland’s home of manufacturing innovation AMIDS, which is being developed by the council in collaboration with the Scottish Government and Scottish Enterprise.

Deputy First Minister Kate Forbes said: “Through our £500m investment in the Glasgow City Region Deal, we are unlocking economic opportunities in Renfrewshire.

“Progress continues towards the opening of the bridge across the River Clyde.

“We hope that this will drive growth in the local economy and support over 800 new jobs.”

The project is jointly funded by the UK and Scottish governments through the £1.13 billion Glasgow City Region City Deal, a partnership of eight councils working to deliver a programme aimed at growing a strong, inclusive and sustainable City Region; and an economy which delivers for all people and businesses.

The bridge is due to be completed ahead of schedule and be fully operational for pedestrians, cyclists and motorists this autumn.

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