New bridge over Clyde could create 1,400 jobs, council says

The first opening road bridge across the River Clyde could create around 1,400 jobs, according to officials.

The Renfrew Bridge opens to traffic at 12pm on Friday, marking the completion of the Clyde Waterfront and Renfrew Riverside project.

The bridge, which connects the town of Renfrew with Yoker in Glasgow, is a £117 million project by Renfrewshire Council, supported with £39 million from the Scottish and UK governments, and a further £1.17 million from Transport Scotland.

It is expected the bridge will open up work, health, education and leisure opportunities on both sides of the river, with the potential for 1,400 additional jobs, investment and developments to be brought to the riverside.

The 184-metre bridge uses a cable stay system, similar to the Queensferry Crossing, and provides two lanes for vehicles, pedestrians and active travel.

It runs from Meadowside Street in Renfrew to Dock Street in Yoker, and can open for ships to pass through as and when required.

Renfrewshire Council leader Iain Nicolson said: “I’m delighted to see the opening of the new Renfrew Bridge as we successfully complete this transformational project which will enhance the local economy, attract new investment and developments to the riverside, and create thousands of new job opportunities for local people.

“It is another example of the council’s ability to deliver nationally significant infrastructure projects and the benefits will be felt immediately by road users, local residents and businesses, as well as the long-term economic boost to Renfrewshire and the Glasgow city region.”

Minister for employment and investment Tom Arthur said: “Renfrew Bridge’s opening is a historic moment, and it will be a welcome addition to the Clyde, creating opportunities for communities and businesses on both sides of the river and supporting 1,400 new jobs.

“This delivers our Programme for Government commitment to invest £1.9 billion in growth deals, benefiting people across Scotland. Other measures include delivering 100,000 additional GP appointments by March 2026 and a ‘best in the UK’ cost-of-living guarantee, including the permanent abolition of peak rail fares.”

Civil engineers Graham completed the project construction, which has supported more than 950 jobs and generated hundreds of subcontract and supplier opportunities, many of which were completed by local businesses.

Jim Armour, Graham’s project director, said: “The official opening of Renfrew Bridge represents the culmination of years of innovative engineering, collaborative working and community engagement. This transformational piece of infrastructure will revitalise an area that has endured industrial decline over many years.

“The twin leaf cable-stayed swing design presented unique engineering challenges, which our team overcame through innovation and value engineering.

“By reconfiguring the deck section and optimising the stay-cable configuration, we’ve delivered a more efficient structure with a 35% carbon reduction.

“We’re immensely proud to have constructed a landmark transport link that celebrates the shipbuilding heritage of the Clyde.”