PILING works on the south side of the £29.5 million Govan-Partick Bridge in Glasgow have now been completed.
In total, 95 piles have been used to create the foundations for the south landing area of the crossing, with each pile being 23 metres in height and weighing four tonnes – with each being driven to a depth of 14 metres below riverbed level.
The pedestrian and cycle bridge will cross the River Clyde between Water Row in Govan and Pointhouse Quay in Partick. Glasgow City Council said that the connection will re-establish the ‘historic link’ between the two areas.
It added that the bridge will be ‘economically, environmentally, and socially’ important as it will create a link between communities, visitor attractions, and institutions of national economic importance, and is a key part of the active travel route between the University of Glasgow’s campus at Gilmorehill and the Queen Elizabeth University Hospital.
Farrans Construction commenced works on-site in January 2022, with Glasgow City Council anticipating the project to conclude towards the end of Spring 2024.
David Buchanan, project manager at Farrans Construction, commented, “This is the first significant construction milestone of this project, and we are pleased that we are running to programme. Marine piling is a challenging activity that can be heavily impacted by adverse weather, tidal conditions and unforeseen obstructions in the river. Our next step is to complete the southern cofferdam, dewater and start concrete works on the southern pier on which the bridge will pivot.
“As part of our activity on this important project we are working closely with the local community and supporting the work of fantastic organisations. We recently paused work to facilitate a ‘quiet hour’ positive experience for autistic visitors and their families at the Riverside Museum in Glasgow. We have a number of initiatives underway which will deliver a positive lasting impact for the city of Glasgow through skills and apprenticeships, supporting charitable organisations and working with local supply chain.”
Councillor Susan Aitken, leader of Glasgow City Council and chair of the Glasgow city region cabinet, said, “The Govan-Partick Bridge is significant at a local, regional and national level as it will not only reconnect communities on both banks of the Clyde, but link major institutions and emerging regeneration projects along an arc between the west end and Greater Govan. We can look forward to watching the successful progress of the bridge as the project develops in 2023.”
