Bridge works steam ahead

THE first phase of a massive investment to improve three Glasgow railway bridges has been completed.

Network Rail has said engineers have cleaned, repaired and repainted the railway bridge over Ferry Road in Yorkhill over the last three months.

It comes as part of a £ 2.5 million investment to improve three railway bridges in the West End.

During the work, old paint was grit- blasted from the steel structure so that its condition could be examined in detail followed by repairs on the metal and stonework.

After that, it was then repainted and further work will now be carried out on the two adjoining bridges, including the structure carrying the railway over the River Kelvin – the busiest section of railway in Scotland.

The rail firm has said while there will be secure fencing around the site, access along the National Cycle Route 75 and the walking route to the Riverside Museum will be maintained.

The bridges – visible from the city’s Clydeside Expressway – are around 120 years old.

They carry trains on both the Argyle and North Clyde lines to and from Partick station.

The section of the railway sees around 28 trains per hour at peak time – making it one of the busiest in Scotland.

Amanda Naughton, Network Rail’s project manager for the viaduct work, said: “We’re really pleased to have completed the work on the Ferry Road bridge.

“Importantly, this was finished on time and our contractors can now move to the next stage of the refurbishment.

“Repairing and repainting these bridges will extend their lifespan and help us to continue to run a safe and reliable railway over one of the busiest and most visible sections of track in Scotland.

“We appreciate the patience and understanding from those living nearby while we carry out this important work.”