Renfrewshire Council

Learn about the Renfrew Bridge, including:

• its design
• how it was delivered and constructed
• who can use the bridge
• interesting facts about the bridge
• opportunities the bridge will bring.

Design

The team who designed the Renfrew Bridge set out to provide a new way for pedestrians, cyclists, and vehicles to cross the River Clyde.

They had to consider a number of constraints. The solution:

• could not intrude into the Glasgow Airport Safeguarding Zone
• could not negatively impact traffic flow in surrounding areas
• needed to provide an open space 90 metres wide across the river and a vertical clearance the same as the Erskine Bridge, 47 metres high, when the bridge is open
• needed to remain usable during tidal flooding events.
• needed to minimise disturbances to nearby homes and businesses during and after construction
• needed to enhance the local physical environment, improve access to leisure, employment, education and health facilities. In addition, it should improve links between businesses, suppliers, and customers. The team considered lots of transport options, from a new ferry to a tunnel crossing. In the end, they decided that the best solution would be a twin-swing, cable-stayed bridge.

The initial architectural concept was created by Kettle Collective, the architects behind the Falkirk Wheel. Scottish ministers granted it planning consent in February 2018.

The design references historical and heritage features from along the local riverside. As the bridge opens and closes, the silhouettes of the tilted masts and cable stays resemble the ship building cranes that once lined the River Clyde.

Delivery and construction

GRAHAM became the project's main contractor in 2021. They were responsible for the detailed design, fabrication, and construction of the bridge, as well as other infrastructure and landscaping for the project.

Since the bridge separates mid-river and each section rotates towards the riverbank on either side, subcontractors were able to fabricate the bridge in two different locations. This saved time, spread the supply and resource risk, and allowed for the best mix of skills and personnel.

The firms Hollandia and Lemants fabricated the bridge as a sub-contracted joint venture. It was delivered in two sections: the south in April 2024 and the north in May 2024.

Specialist crews moved each half of the bridge from a barge onto preconstructed piers using self-propelled modular transports (SPMTs). You can watch the installation process online (YouTube).

It then took several months to construct, test, and commission the bridge.

The Renfrew Bridge will open to the public on 9 May 2025.

Who can use the bridge

Vehicles, pedestrians, and cyclists

The bridge is open to vehicles, pedestrians, and cyclists. It links Renfrew in the south to Clydebank, Yoker, and Glasgow in the north.

If the bridge is opened to let a ship pass through, then you will not be able to cross at that time.

Check when Renfrew Bridge is closed to vehicles, pedestrians, and cyclists.

Vessels

All vessels passing by the bridge must communicate with Bridge Control.

Communicate with Bridge Control and request a bridge opening.

Bridge facts

Here are some interesting facts about the Renfrew Bridge:

• It is the first road bridge on the River Clyde that opens.
• It is 184 metres long, spanning between Renfrew and the boundary between Glasgow (Clydebank) and West Dunbartonshire (Yoker).
• It has a twin-leaf design, with each leaf opening and closing horizontally. It uses a cable stay system similar to the Queensferry Crossing.
• The initial architectural concept by Kettle Collective, the architects of the Falkirk Wheel, drew on the area's rich shipbuilding heritage.
• It took a week for each half of the bridge to travel on a barge the 1,600 kilometres to Renfrewshire.
• Each mast is 34 metres high, about the same as an 8-storey building.
• During the construction stages, the team used lots of ways to save carbon, including electric excavators, electric cranes, and recycling and reusing materials.

Opportunities the bridge will bring

Renfrewshire Council is leading the delivery of the Clyde Waterfront and Renfrew Riverside project, which will see the new bridge connect Renfrew with Clydebank and Yoker and open up work, health, education and leisure opportunities on both sides of the Clyde - with the potential for thousands of additional jobs, investment and developments brought to the riverside.

950 construction roles were secured by the investment in the bridge, access roads, and other parts of the project.

More than 1,400 jobs could follow from the estimated £230million in private sector investment that the completed project will attract to both sides of the Clyde.

In addition to the new bridge, the project will create additional connecting roads, cycling and walking routes, including the extended Argyll Avenue, which will link Inchinnan Road and Meadowside Street in Renfrew with Yoker Railway Station.

It will also see improved access for businesses and suppliers to Scotland's home of manufacturing innovation AMIDS, which the council is developing in collaboration with the Scottish Government and Scottish Enterprise.

The UK and Scottish Governments jointly funded the project through the £1.13billion Glasgow City Region City Deal, a partnership of 8 councils working to deliver a programme of work to grow a strong, inclusive, and sustainable City Region and an economy which delivers for all people and businesses.