New bridge connecting communities across the Clyde opens

A "magnificent bridge" that connects two areas of Glasgow has been officially opened ahead of a weekend of celebrations.

The Govan-Partick Bridge is said to be one of the longest opening pedestrian/cycle bridges in Europe.

The £29.5 million Glasgow City Region City Deal project is jointly funded by the UK and Scottish governments.

The bridge was opened by Scottish employment and investment minister Tom Arthur and Scotland Office minister Kirsty McNeill, who were joined by Glasgow City Council leader Susan Aitken and children from the Notre Dame and Riverside primary schools in the city.

Ms Aitken said: "The completion of the Govan-Partick Bridge is a significant moment for these historic communities, Glasgow and the wider city region.

"The re-connection of Govan and Partick through this landmark bridge will bring local and regional economic, environmental and social benefits and help maximise the boost that the major projects being delivered between the Queen Elizabeth University Hospital and Glasgow University's Dowanhill campus will bring."

The pedestrian/cyclist bridge straddles Water Row on the southside and Pointhouse Quay on the north.

It will open to the public on Saturday, with a number of celebratory events to take place on both sides of the Clyde.

The Clydebuilt festival will take place on Saturday and Sunday next to the Riverside Museum, and the Footbridge Festival will take place at Water Row on Saturday.

The council anticipates the bridge will benefit the city economically and environmentally, and will also boost footfall at visitor attractions on both sides of the bridge.

The bridge has a width of six metres and two spans.

The moving span weighs around 650 tonnes, is 99 metres long and uses the south pier at Water Row.

The fixed span weighs 45 tonnes and is 15.7 metres long.

Mr Arthur said: "The opening of this bridge is welcome news, improving pedestrian and cycling access to education centres, job opportunities and visitor attractions, while allowing people to save cash on travel costs and reduce emissions.

"We are funding the Glasgow City Region Deal to improve transport infrastructure, create thousands of jobs and unlock billions of pounds of private sector funding for Greater Glasgow."

Ms McNeill said: "The opening of this magnificent bridge across Glasgow's beloved Clyde - and joyful celebrations to follow over the weekend north and south of the water - is a powerful reminder of how vital it is to bring people and places together.

"It was a privilege to attend the opening of this UK and Scottish government-funded bridge.

"Re-establishing this historic connection between Govan and Partick will boost the economy, bond communities and support redevelopment."

The Glasgow City Region City Deal sees the Scottish and UK governments each provide £500 million for infrastructure projects.

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