New bridge and roads plan to boost Glasgow Airport links

An artist's impression of the aerial view of a planned new road bridge across Paisley Harbour

Work is set to begin on a £59m project to improve transport connections between Paisley town centre and Glasgow Airport.

A harbour bridge, new roads and dedicated walking and cycling routes are included in the plans.

But they do not include a long-called for rail link to the airport.

It is hoped the network will bring millions of pounds of investment to Renfrewshire by improving access to the Advanced Manufacturing Innovation District Scotland (AMIDS).

Renfrewshire Council's AMIDS South project received £38.7m from the UK government's Levelling Up Fund, with further investment from the council and Transport Scotland.

The project is expected to be complete by 2028.

The local authority has committed £18.8m to create a new road bridge across Paisley harbour and a 1.7km (1.1 mile) gateway route along the White Cart river.

A network of roads, cycling and walking links from the town centre train station and bus interchange to AMIDS, Glasgow Airport and Inchinnan also feature in the plans.

Meanwhile, a new road from Renfrew Road to the bridge crossing will connect the new Paisley Grammar School Community Campus.

Transport Scotland has also provided £1.5m to build a safe access route from Gallowhill using the underpass on the former railway line.

Cllr Iain Nicolson said the new transport network would boost to the area's economy

Council leader Iain Nicolson said it was one of the most significant developments in Renfrewshire's recent history.

"It will bring high-quality jobs, world-leading industry and provide a significant boost to the area's economy so it is important that we provide the appropriate access to Scotland's home of manufacturing innovation," he said.

"This project will not only provide infrastructure to better connect communities to education and employment opportunities, but it will also significantly improve the offer to organisations looking to locate here with enhanced access to the airport and the fourth-busiest train station in Scotland."

Farrans Construction, which was responsible for the Govan to Partick bridge in Glasgow, has been appointed to deliver the project.

Local transport minister Simon Lightwood said the flagship project would deliver "a major boost for Paisley and for Scotland as a whole".

He added: "It's exactly the kind of investment behind last month's announcement of nearly £340m from our Levelling Up Fund to communities across the UK."