MONEY saved on other Glasgow projects will help the city pay its share of a new bridge over a railway line.

Glasgow City Council has agreed to pay its share of the Muirhead Bridge Deck Replacement.

A total of £319,000 from council underspends on similar projects will be used for the Baillieston bridge, which will be complete by September.
Network Rail is managing the demolition and replacement of the old bridge, which was built in 1890. 

A Network Rail spokesman said: “We have worked constructively with Glasgow City Council before and since work started on bridge redevelopment at Muirhead Road and we are delighted this funding contribution has been agreed.

“We are making great progress in reconstructing the bridge, with the main frame and parapets in place.

“Utilities companies will start on site next week to begin to reinstate connections over the new structure.  Work continues on the programme with the aim of completing it and re-opening the road by September as planned.”

The bridge carries Muirhead Road over the electrified Rutherglen-Coatbridge line north of Baillieston station.

The renewal of the bridge is part of a wider programme of maintenance work on railway infrastructure around the city.

Works on the bridge began last September and was planned to take 12 months. It is costing about £4 million.

Councillor Anna Richardson said: “The bridge is in extremely poor condition – if the route is to remain open for future use the bridge deck needs to be replaced.

“Due to the condition and age of the structure, strengthening was not economically viable.”

Replacing the bridge deck will ensure that the structure remains fit for purpose, according to Network Rail.