Renfrewshire Council is celebrating a major milestone as Renfrew Bridge marks its one-year anniversary.
Since it first opened in May 2025, the bridge, which links Renfrew in the south to Clydebank and Yoker in the north, has become a vital travel link making Renfrewshire better connected with the wider Glasgow city region and supporting sustainable travel.
Between 21 June 2025 and 16 April 2026, more than 3.5 million crossing were made, including 3 million cars, 84,600 walkers and runners, and 41,500 cyclists.
The Renfrew Bridge WhatsApp Channel, which lets people know when the bridge is opened to let ships pass, has 45,700 followers, reflecting local residents, communities and businesses’ interest in this key piece of transport infrastructure. See more information about the bridge, including opening times.
Renfrewshire Council Leader, Iain Nicolson, said:
It’s heartwarming to hear from residents and partners how much of a positive impact Renfrew Bridge has had on their day-to-day since it opened last May.
More than 3.5million crossings were made in under a year, far exceeding the numbers initially predicted, a testament to the transformative impact of this popular travel link.
Communities in Renfrew, Clydebank, Yoker and the wider city region are now better connected to workplaces, leisure centres, hospitals and educational opportunities close to the Clyde waterfront. The bridge has also improved travel to Glasgow Airport and the Advanced Manufacturing Innovation District Scotland (AMIDS).
Renfrew Bridge keeps supporting the Council’s aim to enhance the local economy, attract new investment and developments to the riverside, and create thousands of new job opportunities for residents.
Teresa Henry lives in Clydebank and occasionally works in Paisley. The bridge has improved the way she travels around the area.
The bridge has made a huge difference to me. I walk over all the time now. I walk over for exercise, I walk to Wetherspoon’s to have a coffee, I walk over to Braehead and walk along the river when I go to Renfrew town centre. It’s really easy for me to get to work when I have to travel to Paisley; it’s 20 minutes instead of going over Erskine bridge or the Clyde Tunnel. Glasgow Airport is only 10mins away for me now. It’s really great having a bridge to get around the area.
Kirsty Cochrane lives in Renfrew and works at Terumo Aortic. She follows the Renfrew Bridge WhatsApp group:
I can honestly say the bridge has been a fantastic addition for the community. It has made a real difference commuting from Renfrew to the West Dumbartonshire area and has dramatically reduced journey times, going from 20 minutes down to just 7 minutes.
Another highlight has been the WhatsApp group created for updates on when the bridge is open or closed due to water traffic. It's made planning any journey so much easier and has been a real game changer for anyone relying on the bridge.
Mark Harris lives in Clydebank and works at the National Manufacturing Institute Scotland (NMIS) at AMIDS:
The bridge has made a huge difference to both my work and social life. It’s given me the option to walk or cycle to work at the National Manufacturing Institute Scotland (NMIS), based next to Glasgow Airport, while also making Renfrew much more accessible outside of work. I’m head coach of the St Mirren Girls U16s team and we train and play at Renfrew Leisure Centre, so the bridge has significantly reduced my travel time for training and matches. It’s also helped me stay better connected with family, as I have cousins in Renfrew and we’re now able to meet up regularly in a way that wasn’t always possible before.
Felicity McDonald lives in Scotstounhill and works at NMIS:
The bridge has completely changed the daily commute. Living in Scotstounhill and working at the National Manufacturing Institute Scotland (NMIS), near Glasgow Airport, it means I can get to work in just 12 minutes while juggling childcare drop-offs and pick-ups in different locations. Avoiding busy routes like Anniesland Cross and the motorway has made mornings and evenings far less stressful. I also love using the bridge and cycle path as part of my running route at weekends.
Anne Campbell, Principal and Chief Executive at West Scotland College, highlights the beneficial impact of the bridge on students and staff:
Renfrew Bridge has significantly reduced journey times for students, staff and partners, making travel between our Paisley and Clydebank campuses more efficient and reliable. This has supported greater collaboration across campuses, enabling shared learning, joint projects and improved access to specialist facilities.
For students with access to cars, the improved transport links have made it easier to access courses regardless of where they live, particularly benefiting those who previously faced longer or more complex travel routes. Staff have experienced greater flexibility, supporting cross-campus teaching and strengthening our collective expertise.
The bridge has deepened our engagement with local employers and communities on both sides of the Clyde, helping to drive skills development and economic growth in the region.
Renfrew Bridge has become a vital link in supporting a more connected, inclusive and opportunity-rich college experience.