Renfrew Bridge passes one millionth crossing
Drivers have flocked to use the new crossing over the River Clyde
The new Renfrew Bridge has been used a million times in just over four months since it came into use.
Traffic counters on the swing bridge were turned on in the middle of June and show more than 800,000 cars have used it that would otherwise have had to go over the Erskine Bridge, or through the Clyde Tunnel.
35,000 walkers and runners crossed in that period, along with over 22,000 cyclists.
The bridge, which cost £117 million, was opened to road traffic in May with local schools being part of the celebrations.
The link between Renfrew and Yoker was planned to reduce congestion and promote active travel between Renfrewshire, West Dunbartonshire and Glasgow.
The bridge is able to swing open to allow ships on the River Clyde to pass with electronic signs on local roads warning users when the bridge is not available.
A website gives advanced warning of when this is due to happen.
Connecting communities
Renfrewshire Council Leader Iain Nicolson said: "To reach one million crossings of the Renfrew Bridge so quickly is a fantastic achievement and a clear sign of the requirement for the Clyde Waterfront and Renfrew Riverside project.
“It is not only supporting people to commute to work, but also to access businesses, education and leisure opportunities on both sides of the river and its popularity demonstrates the positive impact strategic investment in transport infrastructure can have.
“It’s also great to see that thousands of people are walking and cycling across the bridge each month as we encourage more active ways to travel and it’s a new travel link that we are proud to have delivered in Renfrewshire"
Deputy First Minister Kate Forbes said: "Reaching this milestone in just four months demonstrates the transformative impact that this bridge is making for communities across the River Clyde. As well as opening work, health, education and leisure opportunities for people, it is estimated that the bridge will create up to 1,400 jobs through £230 million of anticipated private sector investment.
“It was funded through our £520 million contribution to the Glasgow City Region Deal. The deal aims to help communities in the Glasgow and Clyde region to thrive and create 29,000 jobs by boosting housing, transport, business growth and research opportunities to improve outcomes for patients.”