Network Rail has started a four-month programme of work to construct a new railway footbridge at Strathbungo in Glasgow‘s southside.

The work, originally due to be completed last summer, forms part of the Glasgow to Barrhead electrification project – a Scottish Government investment to decarbonise passenger services across Scotland’s Railway by 2035. The new structure, connecting Darnley Road and Moray Place, replaces the former 146-year old footbridge which was recently rehomed with Caledonian Railway.

In the summer of 2021, Network Rail invited around five thousand local residents and businesses to vote for their preferred footbridge design from three different options. Through positive engagement and feedback from those who responded, 85% voted for a bespoke curved design inspired by the former footbridge.

The new steel truss structure will feature a toughened glass parapet to achieve a solid but open look. It will also incorporate elements sympathetic to the former footbridge, including the black and white colouring of the new structure and balustrades that will match the railings already in place at Moray Place.

The former footbridge was rehomed last month with Caledonian Railway, a volunteer-run charity that restores, maintains and operates a heritage railway in Angus, and will be installed as part of restoration work at Brechin station.

As part of the Scottish Government’s action plan to decarbonise the railway by 2035, Barrhead to Glasgow is a priority line for electrification and represents 12km of non-electrified track between Barrhead and Busby Junction. The project is due to complete later this year and enter into service in December 2023. Its scope also includes alterations to Platform 3 at Barrhead station to enable longer, four-car trains. Members of the public can find out more about the project by emailing [email protected] or calling the Network Rail helpline on 03457 11 41 41.

Michelle McCaig, Network Rail’s project manager for the bridge work, said: “This is a significant phase of the overall project, especially given the previous involvement of the community in helping to choose a footbridge for their neighbourhood.

“Over the next three months, the structure will gradually start to emerge and by the summer it’ll reconnect Darnley Road and Moray Place.

“Given the community played such an important part in choosing the design of the new bridge, I’m confident the footbridge will enjoy the same standing as its predecessor.

“We appreciate the inconvenience for residents as we deliver this work and thank them for their continued patience.”