WORK to replace a bridge on a key walking route over the railway near the Balgray Reservoir has been completed.

The £2.9million project, which was completed by Network Rail, saw the old concrete bridge in the area be demolished and replaced as it had neared the end of its natural lifespan.

During the works, engineers demolished the old bridge and key parts of the superstructure were replaced over two consecutive Sunday to Monday line closures in August.

As part of it, workers used a KIROW 1200, which is the largest rail-mounted crane in the UK, to lift the pre-cast concrete components into place whilst the railway between Cathcart and Neilston was closed.

After that, contractor AmcoGiffen has been rebuilding the parapets, installing new surfacing with waterproofing, and landscaping the area around the structure.

Now, the bridge seamlessly joins the existing footpath, reinstating the core path connecting Springfield Road to Balgray Reservoir.

Susan Menmuir, Network Rail's scheme project manager said: “Replacing the existing concrete bridge deck was necessary as it was gradually deteriorating and nearing the end of its lifespan.

“The new bridge will carry pedestrians and cyclists across the railway so it will be a great benefit to all those using the reservoir path and Dams to Darnley Country Park.

“By carrying out the main work over two consecutive Sundays and Mondays, we avoided disruption on Saturdays, which is now the busiest day for rail travel in Scotland.”

Barrhead News:

While Craig Milne, planning and logistics director at Network Rail Scotland added: “Trials were carried out after research showed that weekend and leisure travel has increased faster than traditional weekday commuter journeys since the pandemic. 

“We worked closely with ScotRail and data showed very busy Saturdays on this route, so it made sense to trial an alternative access strategy, closing the railway on Sunday and Monday and reopening on a Tuesday morning. 

“It demonstrates how working collaboratively can improve the passenger experience on Scotland’s Railway, and we are reviewing the outcome of the trial and where potential further opportunities exist by using passenger data and information.”