Incredible new £29.5m bridge that’s ‘one of longest in Europe’ opens | UK | News


A new bridge to carry pedestrians and cyclists across the River Clyde has opened connecting the Glaswegian districts of Govan and Patrick.

The 377 ft long bridge, which opens to allow boats to pass underneath it, is one of the longest pedestrian bridges in Europe.

The £29.5 million project was funded by the Scottish and UK governments and connects the Riverside museum at Pointhouse Quay on the north side of the river with Water Row in Govan on the south side.

The project is part of the Glasgow City Region City Deal which sees the Scottish and UK governments each commit £500 million to fund infrastructure projects in the city.

One user on X labelled the bridge as “a game changer” that will provide economic opportunities for those needing to cross the river.

James Stafford said: “This walking & cycling bridge is a game changer for the communities that live either side of the river.

“What was over an hour’s walk from Govan to Partick is about 20 mins now.

“More economic opportunities with reduced travel times north, south & into the city centre of Glasgow.”

To celebrate its opening, the Footbridge and Clydebuilt festival was held across the weekend on either side of the bridge, featuring a Glasgow folk music workshop, sea monster storytelling sessions and performances by tribute bands including The Red Hot Chilli Pipers and Colonel Mustard and the Dijon Fiv.

Glasgow city council said that the opening of the bridge re-establishes the historic connection between Govan and Patrick as well as providing a crucial link between communities and tourist attractions.

Minister for Investment Tom Arthur said:”The Govan-Partick Bridge will unlock opportunities for people living on both sides of the River Clyde.

“It will link up existing walking and cycling routes in Govan and Partick and enable more businesses to trade across the river to drive growth in western Glasgow.”

Paul MacAlindin, organiser of the Govan Footbridge Festival, told the BBC’s Good Morning Scotland the bridge would help the River Clyde regeneration.

He said: “We’re going to have people from both sides of the bridge connecting and exploring each other’s neighbourhoods”

“Govan is a radically different neighbourhood to Partick and the west end,” he said.

“Having those two meet physically, viscerally, on many different levels will change both sides of the Clyde.”

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