New bridge connecting Govan-Partick sails into Glasgow

A new bridge designed to reconnect two communities has arrived in Glasgow after wind delayed its transit on the River Clyde.

A barge left Greenock on Saturday morning carrying the large section of the £29.5m structure, which stopped near the Riverside Museum.

The pedestrian and cycle bridge will connect Water Row in Govan and Pointhouse Quay in Partick.

It is expected to be completed by spring 2024.

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Built in Belgium, the bridge span is 6m (20ft) wide and was fabricated in two parts.

The moving span, which weighs 650 tonnes (650000kg), is 99m (324ft) long and which will use the South Pier (at Water Row) as its access; and the fixed span, which weighs 45 tonnes (45000kg) and is 15.7m (51ft) long.

The bridge span left Westdorpe in the Netherlands on 7 October and travelled along Holland's canals.

It was due to arrive in Glasgow on Friday but the sailing could not take place in high winds.

The £29.5m scheme will see a new pedestrian/cycle bridge over the River Clyde

The Govan-Partick Bridge project includes the construction of a new pedestrian/cycle bridge over the River Clyde, re-establishing the historic connection between the areas.

Glasgow City Council said the bridge would be economically, environmentally and socially important as it will create a link between communities, visitor attractions and institutions of national economic importance.

Council leader Susan Aitken said the arrival of the main span was "a major milestone for the project and a remarkable sight on the Clyde".

It will also play a key part of the active travel route between the University of Glasgow's campus at Gilmorehill and the Queen Elizabeth University Hospital.

The £29.5m project, part of the Glasgow City Region City Deal, is funded by the Scottish and UK governments.

Wellbeing Economy Secretary Neil Gray said: "I welcome this significant step towards reconnecting Govan and Partick.

He added: "By expanding options for active travel and bringing communities together, we are delivering a fairer, greener and growing economy."