New bridge opens as part of Sighthill’s regeneration efforts.
Sighthill Bridge, a new pedestrian and cyclist bridge over the M8 in Glasgow, has opened to the public. The bridge is part of a £250 million regeneration project in the Sighthill area of Glasgow.
The bridge is a steel truss structure 74.24 metres long and 7.5 metres wide and designed to reflect the area's industrial heritage. The bridge is constructed with Cor-Ten Steel, which is aimed at lowering maintenance costs due to this material being able to withstand the elements better. It also features 800 trees and 10,000 plants Arunning along both sides of the bridge, as well as the surrounding lead ups.
Designed by Jacobs Engineering, the bridge was built by Balfour Beatty, with funding through the Glasgow City Region City Deal, and additional funds from Transport Scotland and Sustrans.
The bridge is a key part of the Sighthill regeneration project, which aims to create a new, vibrant community in the area. The project includes the construction of new homes, businesses, and amenities, as well as the creation of new green spaces.
Open to pedestrians and cyclists only, Sighthill Bridge is located at the eastern end of Sighthill Road, on the A803 road, between the Sighthill Springburn Interchanges.
The bridge also serves to connect Sighthill with the city centre, and connects the existing network of cycle paths and walkways in the area to the newly-built Sighthill Park too.
The Sighthill area of Glasgow was once a thriving industrial area. However, it fell into decline in the 1970s and 1980s, and much of the area was demolished.
In recent years, there has been a renewed focus on regeneration in the Sighthill area. The £250 million Sighthill Regeneration Project was launched in 2014, with the aim of creating a new, vibrant community in the area.
The regeneration of Sighthill is expected to be completed by 2025 with a totally transformed look. – Councillor Susan Aitken, Leader of Glasgow City Council said the new bridge’s opening was a major milestone in the regeneration project.
“The bridge will provide a much-needed link between the city centre and the northern suburbs, and will help to improve connectivity and accessibility in the area.”
“The bridge is also expected to boost economic activity in Sighthill, and to attract new businesses and residents to the area,” she said.
The bridge is expected to be a popular attraction for both locals and visitors, as well as a boost to economic activity in Sighthill by helping attract new businesses and residents. Meanwhile, Scottish Government Business Minister Ivan McKee said that the opening of the new bridge over the M8 represented another milestone in the delivery of the Sighthill Regeneration Project, as part of the Scottish Government-funded Glasgow City Region City Deal.
All images copyright Stuart Patterson