New bridge ‘will mean misery for drivers in Renfrew’

Councillor claims £80m project will lead to congestion

A new bridge linking Renfrew and Yoker will put extra stress on roads, a councillor has warned.

Mags MacLaren raised concerns extra cars will impact on Inchinnan Road and streets near the River Clyde.

The Nat insists construction on the £80 million project will see delays near the town centre, and urged assurances on the impact for those living nearby.

Councillor MacLaren said: “I would encourage everyone who has concerns about the City Deal projects to not only get involved in the local consultations but also to submit their views to the inquiry run by a Scottish Parliament Committee.

“Just last week councillors were given a presentation on the current state of the various City Deals affecting Renfrewshire, and I took the time to question officers.

“I asked about the impact of the Clyde Waterfront and Renfrew Riverside project, which will see the construction of a bridge across the River Clyde and the construction of the Renfrew North Development Road.

“I share the concerns of many constituents that this would lead to increased traffic congestion on Inchinnan Road in Renfrew.

“They were not convinced by the comment from a council officer stating that this project would not make the traffic problems any worse.

“For a project costing so much, I would want the traffic situation to be greatly improved.

“I remain concerned that those behind the projects are not listening to the views of local residents, and will be relaying that to the Parliamentary Committee.”

Holyrood has called for submissions from families on how the scheme would change their lives.

As previously revealed in the Express, bosses behind the infrastructure upgrade want to create a road linking the bridge to Inchinnan Road.

They want to connect the route to the waterside, linking up with Dock Street on the opposite side.

They rejected suggestions of a link-up at Ferry Road and near Meadowside Street after public feedback.

Cycle paths will also lead from the area to Glasgow Airport and Inchinnan and over the crossing.

The final path for the bridge is still being developed, with talks ongoing with landowners.

Renfrewshire Council, which formed the City Deal partnership with seven other local authorities, says consultations revealed huge support for the projects.

Fore more information, visit www. renfrewshire.gov.uk/citydeal

For a project costing so much, I would want the traffic situation to be greatly improved Mags MacLaren