Installation of new railway bridge deemed ‘fantastic achievement’

Network Rail bosses have hailed the Boxing Day installation of a new bridge as a “fantastic success” after the £5.9 million structure was slotted into place.

The bridge, part of the development of a site in Bowling, West Dunbartonshire, was installed after train services in the area were paused on Christmas Eve.

Network Rail started work over the summer to clear more than 80,000 tonnes of material to create space for the structure.

Once the site was cleared, engineers cast the bridge on location using 1,860 tonnes of concrete – the same weight as about 34 million mince pies.

During an intense nine-day period of work, the bridge was then carefully driven into its final position on December 26.

Work is now taking place to connect the track and signalling systems, along with other work needed to safely reopen the railway on Friday January 2.

Laura Craig, scheme project manager at Network Rail Scotland, said: “Everything we’ve done over the past few months has led up to this moment.

“Building such a huge bridge on site and then moving it into position is an incredible task, and it’s been amazing to see the planning and teamwork come together so successfully.

“The festive period has been an intense time, with work continuing day and night to make sure the move happened safely and on schedule. Driving the bridge into place on Boxing Day is a fantastic achievement and it’s thanks to the dedication of everyone involved.”

The bridge has been built as part of the Glasgow City Region Deal, a major investment programme designed to improve transport links, boost economic growth and support sustainable development across the area.

It is hoped the improved access it will provide will enable the future development of the Bowling Strategic Development Site, which is being led by West Dunbartonshire Council.

David McBride, infrastructure, regeneration and economic development convener at the council, hailed the installation of the bridge as a “landmark moment in this major project”, adding he was “delighted to see such significant progress on the site”.

Mr McBride said: “While there has been some disruption on the trains, this has been minimised by the work being carried out over the festive period and I thank local people for their patience.”

Train services between Dalmuir and Balloch/Helensburgh Central, and between Glasgow Queen Street and Crianlarich, are expected to resume on January 2.