WORK to replace a railway bridge in Glasgow which has led to a road being closed for a year has taken a "step forward".

We previously reported that Shields Road, in the Southside, would be closed until August 2024.

The closure which will stretch from St Andrew's Drive to Scotland Street, will facilitate the £12.6m project to demolish and rebuild the nearby railway bridge.

Now, Network Rail has revealed work to replace the bridge over the railway has taken a "step forward" with the installation of a temporary footbridge.

The 90-metre-long steel structure spans the four rail lines below and will allow the utilities that run beneath the road surface to be diverted safely while the adjacent bridge deck is removed and replaced.

Glasgow Times:

The rail firm says that with 24 different pipes and cables buried within the bridge, including a gas main, electricity cables, and multiple phone and internet services, the installation of the structure is a "vital step".

The footbridge was installed over two shifts, using a crane to lift the prefabricated sections into place whilst the power of the railway overhead wires was switched off for safety reasons.

It is expected that the footbridge will open to the public from February 2024.

Glasgow Times:

Laura Craig, Network Rail’s project manager for the Shield’s Road work, said: “The progress of work on this bridge has taken a significant step forward and means we can begin the important work of diverting utilities from the road bridge so that it can be replaced.

“Keeping a safe route available to pedestrians is really important so that those living and working near Shields Road can still get to where they need to be during the bridge demolition.

“I’d like to thank the public for their continued patience whilst we carry out this essential work and ask pedestrians and cyclists for ongoing consideration for their fellow citizens while using this temporary route.”