Shields Road, located on the south side of Glasgow, is set to undergo a significant transformation as the bridge over the railway undergoes demolition and rebuilding.

This extensive project, scheduled to commence in August 2023 and lasting approximately one year, aims to address the longstanding weight restrictions imposed on the bridge for over two decades.

The initiative is a collaborative effort between Network Rail and Glasgow City Council, working together to enhance the infrastructure and improve the overall functionality of the bridge.

Upon completion in the summer of 2024, the new bridge will boast increased strength, width, and capacity to accommodate the substantial volume of traffic passing through efficiently. In preparation for the construction phase, utility diversions will commence in August, necessitating the rerouting of various services that traverse the structure.

Subsequently, the existing bridge deck will be demolished, and repairs will be conducted on the bridge abutments. After reconnecting the utilities over the bridge, it is expected to fully reopen to traffic in the summer of 2024.

Throughout the year-long endeavour, Shields Road will be temporarily closed to all vehicles between St Andrew’s Drive and Scotland Street. However, provisions will be made to ensure continuous pedestrian access, including access for cyclists who dismount. A temporary bridge will be erected early in the project to facilitate this access and minimise disruption.

To keep the local community informed about the forthcoming developments, a public drop-in session will be held on Tuesday, July 4, at the Pollokshields Community Centre on Kenmure Street.

This event allows community members to meet the project team and gain detailed insights into the work program, fostering transparency and engagement.

It is worth noting that while the physical demolition and reconstruction of the bridge do not span the entire 12-month period, a substantial portion of the timeline is allocated for the diversion and subsequent reinstatement of the various utilities passing through the structure.

This meticulous approach is essential to ensure the uninterrupted provision of vital services such as water, electricity, gas, and broadband to the local community.

In addition to alleviating the weight restrictions on the road network, this project aligns with a broader maintenance program focused on railway structures. By extending the lifespan and enhancing the safety and reliability of the rail network for passengers and freight customers, the initiative aims to contribute to the overall improvement of transportation infrastructure.

The bridge in question, which carries Shields Road over the lines from Glasgow Central to Ayrshire and Inverclyde, will undergo a comprehensive renewal as part of this ongoing effort.

While the rail network will not experience any disruptions during the initial phases of the project, a temporary closure of the line is expected to occur over a weekend in 2024, specifically to facilitate the bridge’s demolition and initial reconstruction. Specific dates for this temporary closure will be communicated closer to the time, ensuring that travellers are adequately informed, and alternative arrangements can be made.