CH2M HILL reached a key milestone recently in the delivery of the Shawfield-Dalmarnock Smartbridge across the River Clyde, which was finally positioned and erected.
The 90-metre long steel footbridge was brought in using an 800 ton crane. Once fully completed and opened later this year, the structure will not only provide a new cross-river route for pedestrians and cyclists but become central to ambitious plans being delivered by Clyde Gateway over the next 15 years as the continued legacy of the 2014 Commonwealth Games.
The footbridge, together with other infrastructure, will improve the connectivity of Shawfield, where a new major business district is being created, to Dalmarnock, an area already undergoing huge transformation thanks to key projects including a re-developed railway station and construction of a 10,000 square foot office building.
In addition to providing a new pedestrian and cycle route, the footbridge’s deck cross section has been designed to carry new services across the river. These will provide essential SmartGrid power, telecoms and high-speed broadband links to adjacent developments.
CH2M HILL has worked on the project for over three years, playing a vital role in developing the project from the initial feasibility study in 2010, progressing it through the planning process and carrying out the detailed design work of the structure. Following the appointment of a construction team in June 2013, CH2M HILL provided site supervision during the construction stages of the bridge.
Ian Manson, Chief Executive of Clyde Gateway, said, “The re-development to deliver the National Business District at Shawfield is fundamental to Clyde Gateway’s long-term aims and targets for jobs and private sector investment. The support from the European Regional Development Fund has enabled us to put this bridge in place ahead of schedule and what we have is an essential piece of infrastructure.”
Colin Walker, CH2M HILL Project Director, said, “This project continues the company’s history of work on Clyde crossings and follows on from our work on Bells Bridge, the Clyde Arc and Tradeston Footbridge.”
