Glasgow’s Govan to Partick bridge took a step further after it was revealed work could start on the scheme in January. The news came as Farrans Construction Limited were due to be awarded the tender which forms part of the Glasgow City Region City Deal, with funds committed by the Scottish and UK Governments. It is also set to be considered later in the meeting of Glasgow City Council’s contracts and property committee.

The £29.5million Govan to Partick bridge project includes the building of a new pedestrian/cycle bridge crossing over the River Clyde between Water Row in Govan and Pointhouse Quay in Partick, a bridge that will re-establish the historic link between the two parts. The bridge will be environmentally, economically and socially significant as it will provide a link between communities, visitor attractions and institutions of national economic growth, and is a vital part of the active travel way between the Queen Elizabeth University Hospital and University of Glasgow’s campus at Gilmorehill.

The bridge deck will have a length of 115m and a rotating central span of 68m, making it one of the largest opening footbridges in continent. The deck will be 8m wide, giving enough space for cyclists and pedestrians offering “step-free” access for wheelchairs and buggies. Work is expected to start on-site in January next year, with its completion setting towards the end of 2023.

In addition to the construction of the fabricated steel cable stayed opening swing bridge, the project will also see:

  • Demolition of a section of masonry/concrete quay wall and access stairs at Water Row, Govan;
  • Construction of a sheet piled quay wall and Infilling to finished ground level to extend Pointhouse Quay to form the north bridge landing, access ramp and public realm;
  • Construction of a reinforced concrete abutment/quay wall and Infilling of the disused Govan Ferry Inlet at Water Row in Govan to form the south landing;
  • Construction of bridge approach ramps, retaining walls, provision of drainage and public realm at the north and south bridge landings;
  • Bridge and public realm statutory and feature lighting;
  • Diversion of the Scottish Water Combined Sewer Outfall at Pointhouse Quay;
  • Extension and modification of existing Cathodic Protection Scheme at Pointhouse Quay; and
  • Installation of timber fenders and access for a layby berth at Merklands Quay on the Clyde.

The Chair of the Glasgow City Region Cabinet, Councillor Susan Aitken stated:

“The contract award will mark a important stage in a scheme that will be transformative for the Clyde waterfront and the city region. The Govan to Partick Bridge will not only offer an active travel connection from the West End to the South Side of the city, but will also provide new jobs, training, apprenticeships and other opportunities, as well as complementing a several ongoing or forthcoming major regeneration schemes stretching all the way from the University of Glasgow to Queen Elizabeth University Hospital.”

Final approval of the contract will be examined at the Glasgow City Region Cabinet in December.