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Daily Record
12-05-2025
- Business
- Daily Record
Crowds gather to see £117m Renfrew Bridge open over River Clyde
The 184-metre bridge provides a two-lane crossing for vehicles, pedestrians and active travel as it connects Meadowside Street in Renfrew and Dock Street in Yoker. Renfrew Bridge – the first opening road bridge across the River Clyde – has opened to traffic marking the completion of the Clyde Waterfront and Renfrew Riverside project. It is expected 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. Renfrewshire Council leader Iain Nicolson was joined on Thursday by Scottish Government minister for employment and investment Tom Arthur MSP and UK Government parliamentary under-secretary of state for Scotland Kirsty McNeill, as well as partners and the local community, to formally open the bridge. Young people from Kirklandneuk Primary in Renfrew, Our Holy Redeemer's Primary in Clydebank and St Brendan's and Clyde primaries from Yoker were first to officially use the bridge as they met in the middle to signify the connection the bridge has now created between the communities. Councillor Nicolson said: 'I'm delighted to see the opening of the new Renfrew Bridge as we successfully complete this transformational project which will enhance the local economy, attract new investment and developments to the riverside, and create thousands of new job opportunities for local people. 'It is another example of the council's ability to deliver nationally significant infrastructure projects and the benefits will be felt immediately by road users, local residents and businesses, as well as the long-term economic boost to Renfrewshire and the Glasgow City Region. 'With this project enhancing access into the Advanced Manufacturing Innovation District Scotland (AMIDS) next to Glasgow Airport, it is an exciting time for Renfrewshire and I look forward to seeing the bridge in use.' In addition to the new bridge, the project has created additional connecting roads, cycling and walking routes, supported by £2 million 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 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. The bridge itself cost £117m, with £39m from both the Scottish and UK governments under the Glasgow City Region City Deal, and £1.7m from Transport Scotland. Minister for employment and investment Mr 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. 'This delivers our programme for government commitment to invest £1.9 billion in growth deals, benefiting people across Scotland.' The £1.13bn Glasgow City Region City Deal is a partnership of eight councils working to deliver a programme of work to grow a strong, inclusive and sustainable city region and an economy which delivers for all people and businesses. Ms McNeill commented: 'Completion of Clyde Waterfront and Renfrew Riverside project, which has been supported with £39m from the UK Government, is great news for communities who can now enjoy a new bridge over the River Clyde to Yoker, a regenerated riverside and additional roads, cycling and walking routes. 'These enhancements are expected to attract further private sector investment and create more than a thousand jobs on both sides of the Clyde. This is our Plan for Change in action, working with partners to deliver economic growth and a decade of national renewal.' Civil engineers GRAHAM completed the construction project 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. '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.
STV News
09-05-2025
- Business
- STV News
Renfrew and Yoker connected across the Clyde as new bridge opens to traffic
A new bridge across the River Clyde opens to traffic at midday on Friday. The Renfrew Bridge connects Meadowside Street in Renfrew and Dock Street in Yoker, with the ability to open for passing ships as required. It marks the completion of the £117m Clyde Waterfront and Renfrew Riverside project, and authorities believe it will bring huge economic benefits to the area. 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. Pupils from Kirklandneuk Primary in Renfrew, Our Holy Redeemer's Primary in Clydebank and St Brendan's and Clyde Primaries from Yoker were the first to officially use the bridge on Thursday, meeting in the middle to signify the connection the bridge has created between the communities. Renfrewshire Council Leader Iain Nicolson said: 'I'm delighted to see the opening of the new Renfrew Bridge as we successfully complete this transformational project, which will enhance the local economy, attract new investment and developments to the riverside, and create thousands of new job opportunities for local people. 'With this project enhancing access into the Advanced Manufacturing Innovation District Scotland (AMIDS) next to Glasgow Airport, it is an exciting time for Renfrewshire.' In addition to the new bridge, the project has created additional connecting roads, cycling and walking routes, supported by £2m from Transport Scotland, including the extension of Argyll Avenue from Inchinnan Road to Meadowside Street. There will also be a direct link to Yoker Railway Station from Renfrew for the first time. Tom Arthur, minister for employment and investment, 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. The £1.13bn Glasgow City Region City Deal is a partnership of eight councils working to boost the area's economy. Scotland Office Minister Kirsty McNeill said: 'Completion of the Clyde Waterfront and Renfrew Riverside project, which has been supported with £39m from the UK Government, is great news for communities who can now enjoy a new bridge over the River Clyde to Yoker, a regenerated riverside and additional roads, cycling and walking routes. 'These enhancements are expected to attract further private sector investment and create more than a thousand jobs on both sides of the Clyde. This is our Plan for Change in action, working with partners to deliver economic growth and a decade of national renewal.' Get all the latest news from around the country Follow STV News Scan the QR code on your mobile device for all the latest news from around the country
Yahoo
09-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
New road bridge over River Clyde opens to traffic
The first new road bridge across the River Clyde in nearly two decades opens to traffic later. The Renfrew Bridge, linking the Renfrewshire town with Yoker and Clydebank on the north bank, is part of a £117m project to improve connectivity and regenerate waterfront areas. The 184m (604ft) bridge is the first road crossing on the river capable of opening to allow large ships to pass. As well as a two-lane crossing for drivers, the bridge offers access to cyclists and pedestrians. It is due to open fully from 12:00 on Friday. The Renfrew Bridge is the second new bridge over the Clyde in a year, after a pedestrian crossing opened between Govan and Partick. It is the first vehicular crossing over the river since the Clyde Arc, nicknamed the Squinty Bridge, in 2006. A ceremonial opening event took place on Thursday which saw children from primary schools on both sides of the river meet in the middle. Pupils from Kirklandneuk Primary in Renfrew, Our Holy Redeemer's Primary in Clydebank and St Brendan's and Clyde primaries in Yoker waved flags and shook hands, accompanied by a pipe band. Members of the public, cyclists and dogwalkers then streamed across the bridge for the first time, ahead of the full opening. The leader of Renfrewshire Council, Iain Nicolson, said the bridge would bring major benefits for businesses and people living on both sides of the river. "It will connect all the communities around with regards to employment and economic development," he said "They'll be able to travel across it, reach where they want to go - employment, Braehead shopping centre, Glasgow - quicker and faster. It will bring the communities together." The completion of the bridge marks the culmination of the £117m Clyde Waterfront and Renfrew Riverside project which also includes new roads and cycling routes. The project received funding from both the Scottish and UK governments through the Glasgow Region City Deal. A major benefit is improved access to the Advanced Manufacturing Innovation District being developed next to Glasgow Airport. Construction was carried out by civil engineers Graham, and the large bridge sections were manufactured in the Netherlands before being transported by barge. Until now, the only way to cross the river at Renfrew was by using a small ferry that carries pedestrians and cyclists for a small fee. The Renfrew ferry has been operating, previously with larger car carrying vessels, for a century and is located closer to the town centre. The ferry will continue operating although the impact of the new bridge on its usage and future has yet to be established.
BBC News
08-05-2025
- Business
- BBC News
New Renfrew Bridge over River Clyde opens to road traffic
The first new road bridge across the River Clyde in nearly two decades opens to traffic later. The Renfrew Bridge, linking the Renfrewshire town with Yoker and Clydebank on the north bank, is part of a £117m project to improve connectivity and regenerate waterfront areas. The 184m (604ft) bridge is the first road crossing on the river capable of opening to allow large ships to pass. As well as a two-lane crossing for drivers, the bridge offers access to cyclists and pedestrians. It is due to open fully from 12:00 on Friday. The Renfrew Bridge is the second new bridge over the Clyde in a year, after a pedestrian crossing opened between Govan and is the first vehicular crossing over the river since the Clyde Arc, nicknamed the Squinty Bridge, in 2006. A ceremonial opening event took place on Thursday which saw children from primary schools on both sides of the river meet in the from Kirklandneuk Primary in Renfrew, Our Holy Redeemer's Primary in Clydebank and St Brendan's and Clyde primaries in Yoker waved flags and shook hands, accompanied by a pipe band. Members of the public, cyclists and dogwalkers then streamed across the bridge for the first time, ahead of the full leader of Renfrewshire Council, Iain Nicolson, said the bridge would bring major benefits for businesses and people living on both sides of the river. "It will connect all the communities around with regards to employment and economic development," he said"They'll be able to travel across it, reach where they want to go - employment, Braehead shopping centre, Glasgow - quicker and faster. It will bring the communities together." The completion of the bridge marks the culmination of the £117m Clyde Waterfront and Renfrew Riverside project which also includes new roads and cycling routes. The project received funding from both the Scottish and UK governments through the Glasgow Region City Deal. A major benefit is improved access to the Advanced Manufacturing Innovation District being developed next to Glasgow was carried out by civil engineers Graham, and the large bridge sections were manufactured in the Netherlands before being transported by barge. Until now, the only way to cross the river at Renfrew was by using a small ferry that carries pedestrians and cyclists for a small fee. The Renfrew ferry has been operating, previously with larger car carrying vessels, for a century and is located closer to the town centre. The ferry will continue operating although the impact of the new bridge on its usage and future has yet to be established.
The National
08-05-2025
- The National
Renfrew Bridge welcomes public across Glasgow's River Clyde
Excited crowds gathered in the sunshine on Thursday at the new Renfrew Bridge ahead of its official opening at midday on Friday. (Image: Colin Mearns) (Image: Colin Mearns) Our sister paper The Glasgow Times was invited along for a first look at the new crossing, which will accommodate vehicles, cyclists, and pedestrians – as well as opening for passing ships. The occasion was marked by youngsters from both sides of the river walking to meet in the middle of the bridge in a display of connectivity. Pupils from Kirklandneuk primary in Renfrew who crossed the bridge to meet pupils from Our Holy Redeemer's primary school, St Brendan's Primary school and Clyde Primary school coming from the other side. Pictured shaking hands is Christopher Pilch from Kirklandneuk Primary in Renfrew shaking hands with Ava Winham from Our Holy Redeemer's primary in Clydebank (Image: Colin Mearns) (Image: Colin Mearns) The completion of the 184-metre bridge, connecting Yoker and Clydebank directly to Renfrew, marked the end of the £117m Clyde Waterfront and Renfrew Riverside project. This was led by Renfrewshire Council and funded as part of the £1.13 billion Glasgow City Region Deal. Iain Nicolson, leader of Renfrewshire Council (Image: Colin Mearns) Iain Nicolson, leader of the local authority, told the Glasgow Times this is a 'huge achievement' for the council. He said: 'I think the weather enhances the sense of relief that the project is finally coming to completion. 'We had increased enquiries about it from local communities, and I am so pleased to see so many people here. 'It's right that they come and celebrate the bridge. It's a huge achievement for the council to deliver this kind of infrastructure. 'I didn't actually know it was the first of its kind in the UK until a while back. It's fantastic and I think it's a mark that Renfrewshire is open for business. 'We can do big projects and we can deliver them on time.' (Image: Colin Mearns) The Renfrew Bridge has been installed on Meadowside Street on the Renfrew side and on Dock Street in Clydebank. This work was carried out by civil engineers GRAHAM. Eilidh Love (Image: Colin Mearns) Eilidh Love was one of the engineers tasked with the project. The 25-year-old from Largs explained that this was her first assignment after graduating from the University of Glasgow. She said: 'I graduated in 2022 and started here the same year. At that time, this whole area was just a scrapyard. 'I've seen this project from the beginning to the end. It's really nice to see it all come together now. I think it's going to be hard to top this, to be honest. 'It's been really something special. Especially since people I know are going to be using the bridge.' Friends Liz Boyle, left and Susan Freel (Image: Colin Mearns) The bridge will provide a direct link between the two towns for the first time. The two-lane crossing was designed based on the area's rich shipbuilding heritage and uses a cable stay system similar to the Queensferry Crossing. It also has a twin-leaf design, which means that it will open and close horizontally. Additionally, it is hoped that the bridge with open up work, health, education, and leisure opportunities on both sides of the river. It is said to have the potential for thousands of additional jobs, fresh investment, and new developments. Pictured in the bridge control room are, from left: Tom Arthur MSP, Renfrewshire Council leader Iain Nicolson, and Labour minister Kirsty McNeill (Image: Colin Mearns) (Image: Colin Mearns) Alongside the construction of the bridge, the project saw the creation of connecting roads and cycling and walking routes linking Inchinnan Road in Renfrew to Yoker railway station. There will also be improved access for businesses and suppliers to Scotland's home of manufacturing and innovation, AMIDS, which is being developed by Renfrewshire Council in collaboration with the Scottish Government and Scottish Enterprise. Susan Aitken, leader of Glasgow City Council (Image: Colin Mearns) Susan Aitken, leader of Glasgow City Council and chair of the Glasgow City Region Cabinet, commented: 'Connectivity is massively important. This is the third bridge that we've built under the Glasgow City Region Deal. 'Each one of those is recreating connectivity that has been lost over the years or, in some cases, never existed in the first place. 'When you invest in infrastructure like this that connects people to places, it has the potential to be genuinely transformational. 'It's a bridge from Renfrew to Yoker, but more importantly, it's a bridge to opportunities to jobs, to learning, to all the things that the city region has to offer. 'It makes it more accessible to more people.' (Image: Colin Mearns) (Image: Colin Mearns) (Image: Colin Mearns) The Clyde Waterfront and Renfrew Riverside project was jointly funded by the UK and Scottish Governments through the Glasgow City Region Deal. This is a partnership of eight councils working to deliver a programme of work to grow a strong, inclusive, and sustainable city region. It was delivered by GRAHAM and supported more than 950 jobs during its construction. The project also generated hundreds of subcontract and supplier opportunities, many of which were taken on by local businesses.
