‘Dolphins’ spotted as project gathers pace
WORK on a major new road bridge over the River Clyde has taken a step forward.
The construction of the first opening road bridge over the waterway has progressed as ‘dolphins’ have been put in place.
These are made of steel and provide the additional safety infrastructure required for boats moving past the new bridge, which will connect Renfrew with Yoker.
They took five months to create and were cut, welded and assembled by steel fabricating company Had Fab.
After that, using 100-tonne cranes, they were lifted onto a barge at Westway, in Renfrew, and sailed down the White Cart Water before heading to their final positions on the Clyde.
A total of four dolphins have been installed to support vessels up to 160 metres in length.
The new bridge is part of the Clyde Waterfront and Renfrew Riverside project, which will also include new connecting roads and cycling and walking routes.
Council chiefs have said the bridge is due to arrive in two separate sections during April and May. It will then be installed and commissioned on-site before opening later this year.
Greg Scott, managing director at Had Fab, said: “Had Fab was delighted to be appointed to fabricate, trial erect, assemble and load out the dolphin fenders for the new road bridge over the River Clyde.
“This is a flagship infrastructure project for Renfrewshire that will regenerate the Clyde waterfront and Had
Fab is hugely proud to be part of such an iconic construction.”
Council leader Iain Nicolson added: “It’s fantastic to see the new bridge take another step forward as these dolphins are installed to support ships to dock when required and it’s great to see a Renfrewshire business involved in this part of the project.
“The bridge is going to be transformative for Renfrew, Clydebank and the surrounding areas, with enhanced connectivity for local people, visitors and businesses, including supporting a new route into the Advanced Manufacturing Innovation District Scotland, and I’m looking forward to seeing the project advance ahead of its opening later in the year.”
The Clyde Waterfront and Renfrew Riverside project is funded through the Glasgow City Region City Deal – a partnership of eight councils working to boost the area’s economy.
John Lamont, UK Government Minister for Scotland, said: “The installation of the steel dolphins is a great moment for this flagship infrastructure project to regenerate the Clyde, improve connectivity and boost the economy.
“The UK Government is proud to be investing £39million in the Clyde Waterfront and Renfrew Riverside scheme, which is part of our £523million investment into the Glasgow City Region Deal and more than £3billion for levelling up across Scotland.”