Graham Simpson, the MSP for Central Scotland, has visited the site of a new bridge that is being constructed under the West Coast Main Line at Motherwell to learn about progress on the work so far.

Working with contractor Story Contracting, Network Rail began work in May to construct a 6000-tonne bridge, which is being built in a large compound next to the West Coast Mainline.

In Spring 2023, huge remote-controlled vehicles will be used to drive the bridge into its final position, at which time it will be the heaviest bridge lift in Europe.

During his visit, Graham Simpson MSP was shown recently completed sections of the seven-metre-high abutments that will eventually support the new 30-metre bridge deck.

Once the new bridge is in place, a new dual carriageway will be constructed from Airbles Road/Windmillhill Street to Robberhall Road in Ravenscraig to connect to the Ravenscraig Regional Sports Facility and will open up the area for future development.

The bridge and dual carriageway are the first part of a £127.2 million Ravenscraig Access Infrastructure (RAI) project to regenerate the former steelworks site and is being funded by North Lanarkshire Council and Glasgow City Region City Deal.

Further information about the wider Ravenscraig Access Infrastructure (RAI) Project can be found at www.northlanarkshire.gov.uk/ravenscraig-south-citydeal

Graham Simpson MSP said: “The Ravenscraig underbridge being constructed by Network Rail and Story Contracting is hugely impressive. It will facilitate a new link road into the Ravenscraig site and help to develop that part of North Lanarkshire.

“At 6000 tonnes it will be the heaviest bridge to have been lifted into place in Europe. I’m looking forward to seeing that happen.

“Network Rail and Story together are doing some great civil engineering work throughout Scotland.

“I was very impressed with their programme of taking on student apprentices, giving them a job while putting them through university. That has to be the way forward for a lot of companies.”

Mark Wilson, Network Rail project manager, said: “We are delighted to welcome Mr Simpson to site and provide an opportunity to see the progress the team has made through the initial stages of the work.

“This is a significant piece of engineering given the sheer size and scale of the bridge, and with the abutments now complete, the structure is really beginning to take shape.

“Once the bridge is installed under the railway next year, it will be fundamental to help the Council achieve its wider regeneration plans for the former industrial site at Ravenscraig.”