A new railway footbridge, which will connect Darnley Road and Mora Place in Strathbungo, has just been voted for by locals in the Southside of Glasgow.
The existing bridge will not be able to support the line when it has been electrified, so the community was asked by Network Rail to help select a new footbridge design to replace the current crossing.
Three artists took the reigns and designed different options, and each model was shared with around 5,000 residents and business owners to obtain a general design preference from locals.
Bridge A received 85% of votes – a tailored curved design, inspired by the current bridge, with a high metal rail on top, and a toughened glass parapet to achieve a solid, but open look.
The redevelopment is part of the East Kilbride Enhancements Project, which is at the core of the Scottish Government’s Rail Decarbonisation Action Plan. The new bridge will provide greater capacity on the line, whilst supporting quieter and greener electric trains.
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.”
He added, “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 electricity carried in the electrified overhead lines is 100 times stronger than what you get at home.
Although there have previously been safety issues, primarily people suffering from electric shock after dropping or dangling objects over the sides of older bridges, this new installation will reduce this risk.
Network Rail is also working towards relocating the existing bridge, engaging with their asset team to assess interest from heritage railways in rehoming the structure.
Work will be carried out during the summer 2022, but this is subject to gaining the adequate permissions.
