MUIRHEAD Road in Baillieston has now re-opened two weeks ahead of schedule following work on a £4 million project.

The road, which has been closed since February, now reconnects new build housing to the south of the structure to services and amenities in Baillieston.

Investment by Network Rail, with a contribution for Glasgow City Council, has seen the old bridge demolished and rebuilt stronger and wider to enable two-way traffic, a cycle route and pedestrian footpath. Side walls will also be raised to 1.8 metres to meet modern safety standards for an electrified railway.

Matthew Spence, Network Rail’s route delivery director, said: “It is fantastic that the work has been completed ahead of schedule and the road can be re-opened earlier than planned.

“The reconstructed bridge at Muirhead Road delivers a stronger and wider structure which enables two-way traffic, cycle routes and pedestrian footpath.

"It will accommodate current weights and volumes of traffic and anticipates future growth.

“While we understand that the road closure was disruptive for local people in the short term, the re-opening of the road will see the community begin to enjoy the benefits of the enhanced bridge which will stand them in good stead for many years to come.

“We thank everyone for their patience while we carried out this important work.”

Rail bosses said the redevelopment was needed as the old structure was no longer fit for purpose for the volume and weight of traffic using it on a daily basis.

Demolition and initial reconstruction of the bridge took place in March - which required three weekend closures of the line - the only disruption to the railway during the work.

Additionally, pedestrian and cycle access was maintained throughout the road closure via a temporary footbridge installed adjacent to the road bridge.

With the road re-opened, work to complete the bridge will complete in September.