First section of new Renfrew Bridge arrives on Clyde

The first section of a new bridge connecting Renfrew with Yoker has arrived in Glasgow from the Netherlands.

The Renfrew Bridge will be the first opening road bridge across the River Clyde, which will open for passing ships.

It is a two-lane road bridge for vehicles, pedestrians and cyclists.

The bridge is being delivered in two parts - with the second section due to arrive in late-May - and will open to the public later in the year.

Built in the Netherlands, the south section of the 603ft (184m) bridge arrived on the River Clyde after travelling for seven days on a barge across the English Channel and Irish Sea.

It is part of the £117m Clyde Waterfront and Renfrew Riverside project, which aims to reconnect the communities across the water.

The south bridge span will moor on Meadowside Street in Renfrew, before being installed, ahead of the north section of the bridge arriving next month.

It has a twin-leaf design, with each leaf opening and closing horizontally, and uses a cable-stay system similar to the Queensferry Crossing.

In addition to the new bridge the project will create connecting roads, cycling and walking routes which will link Inchinnan Road in Renfrew with Yoker railway station, using the new Renfrew North Development Road.

The project is jointly funded by the UK and Scottish Governments through the £1.13bn Glasgow City Region, a partnership of eight councils working together.

Artist's impression of future development on riverside

Renfrewshire Council leader Iain Nicolson said it was "fantastic" to see the first section of the bridge arrive.

“The project as a whole will provide a substantial boost to the economy and attract more jobs to the area in addition to more than 950 already created during the construction phase," he said.

UK government minister for Scotland John Lamont said: "The arrival of the first bridge section is a great moment for this flagship infrastructure project to regenerate the Clyde, improve connectivity and boost the economy.

"The UK government is proud to be investing £39m in the Clyde Waterfront and Renfrew Riverside scheme, part of our £523m investment into the Glasgow City Region Deal, and more than £3bn for levelling-up across Scotland."

Wellbeing Economy Secretary Mairi McAllan said: “I’m delighted that we are providing almost £39m towards the new Renfrew Bridge through the Glasgow City Region Deal.

"The arrival of the first section of the bridge is a significant milestone and will bring opportunities for local communities as well as people and businesses across the wider city region."