Railway footbridge is all set to make way for a new one

Network Rail engineers are due to start work on a £1.2 million footbridge over the railway between Arkleston Drive and Gallowhill Road in Paisley.

The old bridge will be removed next month and a new one built over one of the busiest rail corridors in the country to maintain access between the lineside communities.

The work is needed due to the age and condition of the present structure and to protect the safety of those using the bridge and the trains operating below.

Work will include piling and creating the foundations for the new bridge and installation of the pre-fabricated structure, as well as removal of the old bridge.

The project team will go on site at the start of December and work will be delivered through a combination of day and night shifts– though not during the Christmas and New Year holiday period. It will be completed by March.

Arkleston footbridge will be closed from December 14 for the duration of the work and pedestrians will be signposted to the nearest bridge over the railway – via Arkleston Road to the east of the footbridge.

There will also be various road closures and lane restrictions on both Arkleston Drive and Gallowhill Road throughout the work.

To complete the work safely and efficiently, there will be periods of 24-hour continuous working each weekend throughout January. During this time the majority of the programme will be delivered and consequently may be disruptive for those living closest to the footbridge site.

Buses will also replace trains on this route on both Saturdays and Sundays throughout January.

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

“The age and condition of the present structure means that doing nothing is not an option as we have to maintain a safe access for the people who use the bridge and for the trains travelling below.

“While we appreciate this work may be 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.”