The construction phase of a new active travel bridge across the Forth & Clyde Canal in North Glasgow is now complete and is on track to open to the public in September.
Representatives from Scottish Canals, Glasgow City Council and Sustrans joined Active Travel Minister Patrick Harvie MSP (centre) as well as local residents to be the first to cross Stockingfield Bridge.
The completed construction of Stockingfield Bridge marks a significant milestone for the £13.7 million Places for Everyone project.
The bridge will connect the communities of Maryhill, Gilshochill, and Ruchill in North Glasgow for active travel via the Forth & Clyde Canal for the first time.
The bridge will also provide a convenient and accessible link from these communities to leisure and employment opportunities in the west end and city centre.
For those walking, wheeling or cycling beyond this, the new bridge will allow for smooth and continuous active travel route along the whole length of the canal.
The route continues from Bowling on the Clyde to Edinburgh in the east via National Cycle Network Route 754.
Improving health and wellbeing in North Glasgow
Minister for Active Travel Patrick Harvie said:
“It’s fantastic to see the Stockingfield Bridge take final shape and reconnect communities across the north of Glasgow.
"The Scottish Government has provided over £13 million to deliver this project because it unlocks real change in the opportunities that people will have to travel more actively – improving health, wellbeing and protecting our environment."
The project is being delivered by Scottish Canals.
It's supported by funding from the Scottish Government, through Sustrans’ Places for Everyone scheme, as well as the Glasgow City Council’s Vacant Derelict Land Fund.
Karen McGregor, Portfolio Director for Sustrans, said:
“The completed construction of Stockingfield Bridge creates invaluable space for walking wheeling and cycling, and represents a significant improvement to the health and wellbeing of the people of North Glasgow.
“Not only does this new connection create a safe and convenient active travel route between Ruchill, Gilshochill, Maryhill and on to the west end and city centre, it opens up a scenic setting for residents and visitors in the area to relax and enjoy what the Forth and Clyde Canal has to offer.”
Richard Millar, Chief Operating Officer at Scottish Canals, said:
“Stockingfield Bridge will greatly boost active travel alternatives for people travelling about the city, making a walking or wheeling commute to work a viable and enjoyable experience.
"For the first time, locals will be able to move effortlessly from these three communities to the city centre and the west end, gaining new access to amenities, services, and employment possibilities.
"The project’s community-led art element will make Stockingfield a completely new destination, attracting new people to visit and raising the reputation of this section of the city to new heights.”
Community artworks to come
Groundwork and community art installations will continue until September, which will mark the end of the project.
Remaining project funding will go towards supporting groundwork initiatives along the towpath.
This includes a new recreational space and the delivery of eight community artwork installations which celebrate the proud industrial history of the area.
All of the artworks have a local link along with community participation.
They include ceramic mosaics created by the community, sculptures commemorating the area’s industrial background, and metalwork honouring the role of disabled people in North Glasgow.
Final works are due to be completed during the 200th anniversary of the Union and Caledonian canals in September.
The bridge will then open to the wider public, ushering in a new era for Scotland’s inland waterways, one that prioritises active travel, health, and community.
Find out more about our Places for Everyone project in Scotland.
