A £2.9 million project which utilised the UK’s largest rail-mounted crane has been completed in East Renfrewshire.
Carried out by Network Rail and AmcoGiffen, the work involved the demolition of a 50-year-old concrete bridge on a key walking route in East Renfrewshire, before replacing it with a new crossing.
Early reconstruction saw the team work ‘around-the-clock’ using TECHNE Kirow GmbH’s Kirow 1200 to lift pre-cast concrete components into place whilst the railway between Cathcart and Neilston was closed.
Since then, AmcoGiffen has been rebuilding the parapets, installing new surfacing with waterproofing, and landscaping the area around the structure. The reopening joins the bridge to the existing footpath, reinstating the core path connecting Springfield Road to Balgray Reservoir.
Susan Menmuir, Network Rail’s scheme project manager, said, “Replacing the existing concrete bridge deck was necessary as it was gradually deteriorating and nearing the end of its lifespan. The new bridge will carry pedestrians and cyclists across the railway so it will be a great benefit to all those using the reservoir path and Dams to Darnley Country Park.
“By carrying out the main work over two consecutive Sundays and Mondays, we avoided disruption on Saturdays, which is now the busiest day for rail travel in Scotland.”
