On the morning of June 23, 2025, the newly opened Renfrew Bridge in Glasgow was temporarily closed after a suspicious item was discovered at a nearby building site, prompting a swift response from police and bomb disposal experts.
At approximately 10 a.m., Police Scotland received reports of a "possible ordnance device" found in close proximity to the bridge, which connects Meadowside Street in Renfrew with Dock Street in Yoker, spanning the River Clyde. The Renfrew Bridge, a significant infrastructure project that officially opened just over a month earlier on May 9, 2025, was immediately sealed off to both vehicular and pedestrian traffic as a precautionary measure.
A Police Scotland spokesperson confirmed the situation, stating, "Renfrew Bridge is closed after a possible ordnance device was found around 10am this morning on a building site nearby. Explosive Ordnance Disposal has been contacted. Motorists and pedestrians are asked to find alternative routes." Authorities urged the public to avoid the area while the investigation was underway.
The Renfrew Bridge is a key artery linking Renfrewshire to Glasgow's Yoker and Clydebank, designed to improve connectivity and regenerate waterfront areas. Part of a £117 million project, the bridge features a two-lane crossing for drivers as well as dedicated access for cyclists and pedestrians. Its unique design also allows it to open for large ships to pass, marking it as a modern and versatile addition to the region's transport network.
Following the discovery, the Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) team was dispatched to assess the suspicious item. Bomb squads cordoned off the bridge and surrounding areas, working meticulously to determine the nature of the device. The closure caused disruption, with motorists and pedestrians needing to seek alternative routes during the investigation.
Fortunately, after thorough examination, it was determined that the item was not an explosive device. The bridge reopened to the public at approximately 12:40 p.m., just under three hours after the initial closure. Police Scotland expressed gratitude to the public for their patience and cooperation throughout the incident, emphasizing the priority placed on public safety.
The Renfrew Bridge's opening earlier this year marked the first new road bridge across the River Clyde in nearly two decades, symbolizing a major milestone in local infrastructure development. Beyond facilitating smoother traffic flow, the bridge is part of broader efforts to rejuvenate the Clyde waterfront, boosting economic activity and accessibility in the area.
Incidents involving potential unexploded ordnance are rare but taken extremely seriously by authorities, especially in urban areas undergoing redevelopment. The prompt response by Police Scotland and the EOD team ensured that any risk was swiftly neutralized, minimizing potential harm and inconvenience.
As the region continues to grow and modernize, the Renfrew Bridge stands as a testament to progress, resilience, and community safety vigilance. The incident on June 23 serves as a reminder of the importance of maintaining rigorous safety protocols around new infrastructure projects and construction sites.
With the bridge now fully operational again, residents and commuters can once again enjoy the improved connectivity it offers, linking key neighborhoods and supporting the area's economic and social vitality.
