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Friday 8 Mar 2019

Opening of new £1.2m railway bridge reconnects Paisley communities

Region & Route:

Scotland’s Railway: Scotland

Network Rail has announced that the new £1.2m Arkleston footbridge In Paisley is now open.

Work to demolish and reconstruct the bridge linking Arkleston Drive and Gallowhill Road over one of the busiest rail corridors in the country has been ongoing since December.

The work was needed due to the age and condition of the old structure in order to protect the safety of those using the bridge and the trains operating below.

Following demolition and removal of the old bridge, work included creating new piled foundations and installation of the pre-fabricated structure - with the majority of the work being delivered while the railway was closed over weekends in January.

The new 49 tonne, 42.5 metre span bridge was lifted into position in January using a 750t crane, with work to complete the bridge; drainage, surfacing, handrails and painting ongoing since then.

The footbridge closed on 14 December for the duration of the work and various road closures and lane restrictions on both Arkleston Drive and Gallowhill Road were also in place to enable safe delivery and construction of the new bridge.

Suzanne McKay, Network Rail’s scheme project manager for the bridge works said: “Construction of a new footbridge at Arkleston was essential to maintain access across the railway between the lineside communities.

“The age and condition of the old bridge structure meant that doing nothing was not an option as we had to maintain a safe access for the people who use the bridge and for the trains travelling below.  

“While we appreciate this work was inconvenient for the local community in the short term, the new bridge will deliver a safe and modern walking route over the railway which will be of benefit for years to come.

“We appreciate everyone’s patience and cooperation while we delivered this work.”