New bridge over the Forth & Clyde Canal
THE construction phase of a new bridge across the Forth & Clyde Canal was completed in February.
It provides easy access into Glasgow city centre for three local communities at Stockingfield Junction, the first time Maryhill, Gilshochill and Ruchill in North Glasgow have been connected since the canal opened in 1790.
The new bridge will allow walkers and cyclists to cross the canal from the towpath rather than use the existing busy and narrow road tunnel that runs underneath the canal. It represents the final link in the towpath, providing a continuous route along the length of thecanal from Edinburgh (via the Union Canal) and Grangemouth in the east to Bowling in the west.
The bridge is a curved design, incorporating a viewing platform. Stockingfield Junction is where the Forth & Clyde Canal splits to head west across Maryhill Aqueduct and down through Glasgow to Bowling and the River Clyde, and south east along the 2½ miles of the Glasgow Branch of the canal, to Speirs Wharf, sitting high above the city.
After 10 years of planning, the project is beingdelivered by Scottish Canals with more than £13 million funding from the Scottish Government through Sustrans and Glasgow City Council.
Eight new artworks have been commissioned, each with a local link, ranging from sculptures commemorating the area’s industrial backgroundand ceramic mosaics created by local communities, to metalwork honouring the role of disabledpeople in NorthGlasgow.
Theareawill alsobenefit from landscaping and the removal of invasive species, including Japanese knotweed and giant hogweed.
The project will be completed this year with the official bridge opening planned for September.