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Monday 28 Aug 2017

Baillieston railway bridge replacement to improve local road network

Region & Route:

Scotland’s Railway: Scotland

Network Rail will shortly begin a year-long £4m programme of work to replace and widen the bridge over the railway at Muirhead Road, Baillieston.

 The renewal of the bridge is part of a wider, rolling programme of maintenance work on our structures which is designed to extend their lifespan and keep our network safe and reliable. 

Work will start on Monday September 4 and will be ongoing until September 2018. It includes the demolition and reconstruction of the existing concrete bridge deck which is gradually deteriorating and nearing the end of its life-span.

Replacing the bridge deck will ensure that the structure remains fit for purpose and the wider structure will also allow the removal of traffic lights and weight restrictions from the bridge.

Prior to demolishing the bridge deck, utilities which serve the community will be diverted on to a temporary structure which is a lengthy process and one which will be required again after the bridge deck has been reconstructed.

To deliver this work safely, Muirhead Road will need to close to vehicles for extended periods. The installation of a temporary footbridge will allow pedestrian and cycle access to be maintained throughout the bridge demolition and reconstruction.

Muirhead Road will close initially for a three week period in October before again needing to close for seven months from the middle of February 2018.

Work on the structure will include periods of piling, installation of foundations and steelwork, as well as demolition and other construction activities.

Billy McKay, Network Rail programme manager, said: “We know that Muirhead Road is an important route for local traffic and we do not take the decision to request its closure lightly.

“We understand the impact that this has for both road users and those next to the proposed diversion route. However, this is the most efficient and safest way to undertake the work required on the structure.

“Delivery of this project, which is part of our UK-wide railway upgrade plan, has been carefully planned with our contractors and we will complete the work with the minimum possible inconvenience to the local community.”

Network Rail has worked with Glasgow City Council to put in place an appropriate diversion and all local access has been retained either side of the bridge. The council has also made a funding contribution to the project to enable the weight restrictions and traffic lights to be removed.

If you have any questions about this work you can contact Network Rail’s 24 hour national helpline on 03457 11 41 41. For latest information and progress updates follow on twitter @NetworkRailScot