A four-month programme of work is underway to construct a new railway bridge in the southside of Glasgow.
The new crossing at Strathbungo will replace the ‘iconic’ 146-year-old bridge that connected Darnley Road and Moray Place, after it had to be replaced as part of the Glasgow to Barrhead electrification project – with it now rehomed with Caledonian Railway in Brechin.
Approximately 5,000 local residents and businesses were invited by Network Rail in the summer of 2021 to vote for their preferred footbridge design from three different options. The majority chose a bespoke curved design inspired by the former footbridge – with it receiving 85% of votes.
The new steel truss structure will feature a toughened glass parapet to achieve a solid but open look. It will also incorporate elements that are sympathetic to the former bridge – including the black and white colouring of the new structure and balustrades that will match the railings already in place at Moray Place.
Michelle McCaig, Network Rail’s project manager for the bridge work, said, “This is a significant phase of the overall project, especially given the previous involvement of the community in helping to choose a footbridge for their neighbourhood. Over the next three months, the structure will gradually start to emerge and by the summer it’ll reconnect Darnley Road and Moray Place.
“Given the community played such an important part in choosing the design of the new bridge, I’m confident the footbridge will enjoy the same standing as its predecessor. We appreciate the inconvenience for residents as we deliver this work and thank them for their continued patience.”
