Network Rail is soon to begin a 12-month programme of work on the rail bridge spanning the A8 road at Saltmarket, near Glasgow Cross.

In a £3.8 million investment, the work will start on Monday, 15th August, and is set to last until September 2023.

It will include essential repairs to extend the lifespan of the bridge as part of Network Rail‘s commitment to running a safe and reliable railway.

The wrought-iron structure is over 150 years old. It is on the City Union Line and provides a diversion route for freight traffic and a route for empty passenger trains to Shields Depot, where they are stabled and cleaned.

The project is part of a wide-ranging bridge modernisation programme aimed at protecting and improving Scotland‘s railway. Over £4 billion is being invested to increase reliability and improve performance.

The work will involve noisy ‘rivet-busting’ and ‘grit-blasting’ activities, as well as metalwork repairs and painting. Residents and businesses in the area have been advised of the work, and a community drop-in event is being held on Wednesday, 17th and Thursday, 18th August from 3.30 pm to 7 pm at 15 Osborne Street, G1 5QN, when members of the public can question members of the project team to find out more about the work.

If anyone has any questions about this work, they can contact Network Rail, by visiting www.scotlandsrailway.com/projects/saltmarket

Suzanne McKay, Scheme Project Manager at Network Rail, said:

“Vital maintenance and renewals work such as the work at Saltmarket bridge helps Network Rail continue to run a safe and reliable railway throughout Glasgow and the surrounding areas.

“This essential work will not only greatly improve the look of the 150-year old structure but will extend its lifespan for up to two decades.

“We appreciate the impact of our activity will have on those living closest to the bridge and while we will do all we can to minimise this, we are limited in terms of what measures can be put in place to mitigate against some the nosier elements generated by the heavier engineering.

“We are grateful to the community for their patience while we complete this vital improvement work.”