Fears over Clyde bridge
A NEW £90m bridge over the Clyde could be at risk amid traffic concerns.
The new bridge between Yoker and Renfrew is part of the £1bn Glasgow City Deal but a council has raised an objection to the plan.
A NEW £90m bridge over the River Clyde is at risk after a council objection over traffic.
The bridge is planned to link Yoker to Renfrew, one of the £1bn Glasgow City Deal projects.
But West Dunbartonshire Council, which is one of the authorities included in the overall City Region Deal, has objected stating it has concerns about the project.
A “status report” prepared for the City Region Cabinet says that West Dunbartonshire Council, has concerns about the flagship project.
The report, noted that a public local inquiry (PLI) would be required if the objection is maintained.
It added that the length of any potential delay is unknown, but it could be up to 12 months before a PLI is scheduled.
The bridge plan is the centrepiece of a Clyde Waterfront and Renfrew Riverside project.
It also includes connecting roads, cycle routes and pedestrian walkways, and aims to improve access to work, education and hospitals by reforming infrastructure.
The bridge would also span three council areas, from Renfrewshire on the southside, to the boundary between Yoker in Glasgow and Clydebank in West Dunbartonshire.
Scottish Government ministers recently approved the project and supporters believe it could plough £867m into the local economy.
The official report for the project, states: “The transformed waterfront area will attract new developments, promoting residential, industrial, commercial, business, retail and leisure opportunities.
“More than 470 people will be involved in the initial construction of the bridge and new roads which, combined with the business growth and new developments attracted to the waterfront, is expected to bring 2,360 jobs.”
But the objection could see the plan’s status become “unachievable”.
The project has currently been granted “amber” status. But the report says a delay could turn it to “red”, which is defined as: “Successful delivery of the project as detailed in the business case appears to be unachievable. “
A spokesman for Renfrewshire Council said: “Planning consent was granted by Scottish Government ministers for the Clyde Waterfront and Renfrew Riverside project last month and we continue to work closely with all partners to ensure the project delivers on its significant potential and the benefits reach all communities on both sides of the Clyde.”