A £3.8m rail bridge investment project bridge spanning the A8 at Saltmarket, near Glasgow Cross is set to be begin this month, conducted via Network Rail as part of their commitment to running a safe and reliable railway. The renovation project comes as part of a 12-month programme, from August 15 until September 2023, which will include the requisite repairs necessary to ensure the life span of the bridge is extended.
The bridge itself is constructed via wrought-iron and is situated on the City Union Line, where it was erected more than 150 years ago. This historic structure works to provide a diversion route for freight traffic passage, as well as being a route passenger trains to Shields Depot where they are stabled and cleaned.
The upcoming works will likely bring noise disruption to the local community, so Residents and businesses in the area have been advised of the work, which will involve noisy ‘rivet-busting’ and ‘grit-blasting. Noise disruptions are often unavoidable in these infrastructure maintenance projects but keeping open communication with the residents will keep favourable relations between the rail network and its passengers.
In keeping with this attitude, a community drop-in event is being held on Wednesday 17 and Thursday 18 August 2022 at 15 Osborne Street, G1 5QN, from 3.30pm to 7pm, offering an opportunity for people to meet members of the project team and find out more about the work.
Suzanne McKay, Scheme Project Manager at Network Rail, said:
“Vital maintenance and renewals work such as the work at Saltmarket bridge helps Network Rail continue to run a safe and reliable railway throughout Glasgow and the surrounding areas.
“This essential work will not only greatly improve the look of the 150-years old structure but will extend its lifespan for up to two decades.
“We appreciate the impact of our activity will have on those living closest to the bridge and while we will do all we can to minimise this, we are limited in terms of what measures can be put in place to mitigate against some the nosier elements generated by the heavier engineering.
“We are grateful to the community for their patience while we complete this vital improvement work.”
The works involved with this project come as part of a wide-ranging bridge modernisation programme that aims to protect and improve Scotland’s Railway, with over £4 billion being allocated to increase reliability and improve performance.
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