FIFTY YEARS IN PHOTOS: The iconic Erskine Bridge celebrates a landmark anniversary
Construction on the project began in April 1967
A series of unseen photos is being released to mark the 50th anniversary of the Erskine Bridge. The iconic crossing over the Clyde was opened on the 2nd July 1971 by HRH Princess Anne, becoming the first fixed link between Dunbartonshire and Renfrewshire.
Construction on the project began in April 1967 at a cost of £10.5m, which is the equivalent of almost £150m today.
The bridge is 1.3km in length and 30m wide, with its tallest support measuring 50m.
Construction of Steel Box Girder
Erskine Bridge - Showing the construction of Steel Box Girder in 1969
Bridge and Ferry Terminal
Erskine Bridge -Bridge and Ferry Terminal (03.07.1971)
Aerial View
Erskine Bridge - Aerial View from NE (2020)
Completing the Bridge Deck
Erskine Bridge - Completing the Bridge Deck (1971)
What difference does the bridge make to people's lives?
Minster for Transport Graeme Dey says it really helps to reduce journey times:
“The Erskine Bridge has become an iconic landmark and was, at one point, the longest cable-stayed bridge in the world.
“The crossing helped to significantly cut journey times when it opened to traffic, particularly during the busy tourist seasons. It continues to play an important role, carrying over 35,000 vehicles every day.
“The Erskine Bridge has also been listed for unique architectural and technical features, so it’s important to recognise the impact it has made in the past 50 years.”
"One of the most ambitious civil engineering projects ever undertaken in Scotland."
The Glasgow Motorway Archive, in collaboration with Transport Scotland, is releasing a number of previously unseen photos of the Erskine Bridge.
Stuart Baird from the Glasgow Motorway Archive said:
“The Erskine Bridge remains ones of the most ambitious civil engineering projects ever undertaken in Scotland and has become a much loved landmark.
“The Glasgow Motorway Archive is delighted to have unearthed previously unseen photos of its construction in time for its 50th anniversary and we look forward to sharing them, and a few other surprises, on our website and social media channels.”
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