Local residents in the Southside of Glasgow have voted overwhelmingly for a new railway footbridge connecting Darnley Road and Moray Place in Strathbungo.
Network Rail asked members of the community to help select a new footbridge design to replace the current crossing because the existing bridge will not be suitable when the line is electrified.
Three artist impressions of different options were shared with approximately 5,000 residents and business owners to gain an overall design preference for the new bridge from local people.
In the vote, 85% of respondents opted for bridge A – a bespoke curved design that was inspired by the current bridge, with a high metal rail on top and a toughened glass parapet to achieve a solid but open look.
Donald Stevenson, senior programme manager for the East Kilbride enhancements project, said: “We are delighted that this initiative received such a positive response and we would like to thank the local community for taking part.
“While we appreciate there will be some sadness when the footbridge is replaced, we are really pleased that the community has taken the opportunity to be involved in choosing a new bridge design that both compliments the local surroundings and meets the safety requirements for electrification.”
The bridge replacement is part of the East Kilbride Enhancements Project, which is at the centre of the Scottish Government’s Rail Services Decarbonisation Action Plan. It aims to increase capacity on the line to meet the needs of passengers with quieter and greener electric trains.
Electrified overhead lines powering the railway carry electricity 100 times greater than in the home.
And while some people have suffered electric shocks after dropping or dangling objects over the sides of older bridges, the installation of the new footbridge at Strathbungo will reduce the risk.
Network Rail is committed to working to relocate the existing bridge and have had early engagement with their asset team to gauge interest from heritage railways in rehoming the structure.
Work on this footbridge is planned to take place Summer 2022, although subject to gaining the necessary permissions.
You can read more about the project here – https://scotlandsrailway.com/projects/east-kilbride-enhancements.
Photo credit: Network Rail
