New safer bridge over Clyde opens in Glasgow

Subtle safety features have been included in a new bridge opened today over the Clyde to deter people climbing onto or jumping from its parapets.
Glasgow Humane Society officers George Parsonage and William Graham beside  the curved parapet and lighting inset in the top rail. Picture: The ScotsmanGlasgow Humane Society officers George Parsonage and William Graham beside  the curved parapet and lighting inset in the top rail. Picture: The Scotsman
Glasgow Humane Society officers George Parsonage and William Graham beside the curved parapet and lighting inset in the top rail. Picture: The Scotsman

The £1.5 million Polamdie footbridge beside Glasgow Green in the city's east end replaces its 60-year-old predecessor which was closed in 2015 when its condition became dangerous.

It is the fourth new span across the river in Glasgow to open in the last 12 years.

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The bridge was opened by transport secretary Michael Matheson, who said the old one had meant a lot to him because he crossed it while cross-country running as a pupil at nearby St John Bosco Secondary School.

The new bridge reuses the piers of the original 60-year-old span. Picture: Glasgow City CouncilThe new bridge reuses the piers of the original 60-year-old span. Picture: Glasgow City Council
The new bridge reuses the piers of the original 60-year-old span. Picture: Glasgow City Council

The 103m-long bridge features a curved wire parapet which is difficult to climb.

Its pointed wooden top rail is also designed to be awkward to sit or walk on.

White lighting embedded in the rail points downwards, illuminating the water, which would assist in a river rescue.

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The bridge's open parapet provides clear views along the river. Picture: The ScotsmanThe bridge's open parapet provides clear views along the river. Picture: The Scotsman
The bridge's open parapet provides clear views along the river. Picture: The Scotsman

Glasgow City Council hopes the bridge will encourage more walking and cycling by re-connecting riverside paths on the banks of the river, which are part of the national cycle network.

City convener for sustainability and carbon reduction Anna Richardson said: "It is a very important link in our walking and cycling network."

Funding included a "major" contribution from cycle path developers Sustrans from a Scottish Government grant.

Transport secretary Michael Matheson opens the bridge with Glasgow city councillor Anna Richardson. Picture: Glasgow City CouncilTransport secretary Michael Matheson opens the bridge with Glasgow city councillor Anna Richardson. Picture: Glasgow City Council
Transport secretary Michael Matheson opens the bridge with Glasgow city councillor Anna Richardson. Picture: Glasgow City Council

Footbridges at the Cunnigar loop and Shawfield, further upstream, were opened four years ago, after the Tradeston "Squiggly Bridge" in the city centre in 2009 and the "Squinty Bridge" Clyde Arc near the SEC three years earlier.