WORK to replace a weak bridge will see a Barrhead road closed for almost seven months.

Glen Street is set to be shut off to traffic from the first week in March until the end of September as construction workers repair the crossing that connects Church Road and Carlibar Road.

The bridge has been used by heavy goods vehicles for years – despite its gross tonnage limit of 7.5 tonnes.

Last year The News told how East Renfrewshire Council (ERC) had earmarked £112,000 to remove and replace the structure, which is believed to be more than 60 years old.

However, the project’s cost went up by £99,000 in November after engineers estimated the replacement of the bridge would be more difficult and take longer than anticipated.

ERC said the closure of Glen Street will begin next Monday, March 6 and could last until Saturday, September 30.

Drivers will only be able to access properties on the street from Carlibar Road.

While the bridge itself will be closed to pedestrians, alternative routes will be provided.

An ERC spokesman said: “Barrhead Community Council has campaigned to stop HGVs using the bridge in the past.

“Members raised fears the ageing steel structure could be permanently damaged or forced to collapse due to the repeated strain.

“However, the number of lorries using the bridge has gone down since bacon firm D&R Stevenson shut down its Glen Street operation in 2014.”

Trucks travelling from nearby Muriel Street continue to use the bridge, despite warnings from the town’s community council.