The installation of a new railway bridge in Bowling, West Dunbartonshire, has been celebrated as a significant achievement by Network Rail. The project culminated on December 26, 2023, when the £5.9 million bridge was successfully positioned, following a comprehensive effort that began earlier in the year. Train services in the region were temporarily suspended starting on Christmas Eve to facilitate the installation.
The preparation for the bridge installation involved clearing over 80,000 tonnes of material from the site. Engineers constructed the bridge on location using 1,860 tonnes of concrete, roughly equivalent to the weight of 34 million mince pies. After extensive planning and hard work, the bridge was carefully maneuvered into place during a concentrated nine-day operation.
Collaboration and Community Impact
Laura Craig, the project manager for Network Rail Scotland, expressed pride in the successful execution of this project. She stated, “Everything we’ve done over the past few months has led up to this moment. Building such a huge bridge on-site and then moving it into position is an incredible task, and it’s been amazing to see the planning and teamwork come together so successfully.”
The installation took place during the festive season, with teams working around the clock to ensure safety and adherence to the timeline. Craig highlighted the commitment of the workforce, noting that “driving the bridge into place on Boxing Day is a fantastic achievement and it’s thanks to the dedication of everyone involved.”
The bridge is part of the broader Glasgow City Region Deal, a significant investment initiative aimed at enhancing transport links and fostering economic growth in the area. It is anticipated that the new infrastructure will facilitate the future development of the Bowling Strategic Development Site, a project spearheaded by the West Dunbartonshire Council.
David McBride, the council’s convener for infrastructure, regeneration, and economic development, characterized the installation as a “landmark moment in this major project.” He conveyed his satisfaction with the progress, acknowledging the temporary disruption to train services while expressing gratitude to local residents for their understanding and patience.
Looking ahead, train services between Dalmuir and Balloch/Helensburgh Central, as well as between Glasgow Queen Street and Crianlarich, are scheduled to resume on January 2, 2024. The completion of this project marks an important step towards improved connectivity and development prospects for the region.
