A new Yoker-Renfrew bridge over the River Clyde in Glasgow has been formally opened ahead of a weekend celebration. Ahead of the public opening at 12pm on May 9, the road bridge was formally opened by Renfrewshire Council, the Scottish Government, and partners from the local community on Thursday, May 8, 2025.
Renfrewshire council leader Iain Nicolson, Scottish Government minister for employment and investment Tom Arthur, and UK Government parliamentary under-secretary of state for Scotland Kirsty McNeill were among those present for the bridge opening, which was built as part of the £1.3 billion Glasgow City Region City Deal.
Young people from Kirklandneuk Primary in Renfrew, Our Holy Redeemer’s Primary in Clydebank, and St Brendan’s and Clyde Primaries from Yoker were the first to officially use the bridge as they met in the middle to signify the connection the bridge has created between the communities.
The 184-metre, twin-leaf bridge uses a cable stay system and provides a two-lane crossing for vehicles, pedestrians, and active travel as it connects Meadowside Street in Renfrew and Dock Street in Yoker, with the ability to open for passing ships as required.
This momentous occasion marks the completion of the Clyde Waterfront and Renfrew Riverside project. Councillor Nicolson expressed his delight, stating, "I’m delighted to see the opening of the new Renfrew Bridge as we successfully complete this transformational project which will enhance the local economy, attract new investment and developments to the riverside, and create thousands of new job opportunities for local people."
Nicolson further emphasized the bridge's significance, saying, "It is another example of the Council’s ability to deliver nationally significant infrastructure projects and the benefits will be felt immediately by road users, local residents and businesses, as well as the long-term economic boost to Renfrewshire and the Glasgow City Region."
The £117 million project was supported with £39 million from both the Scottish and UK governments, along with £1.7 million from Transport Scotland. Officials expect the bridge to open up work, health, education, and leisure opportunities on both sides of the river, with the potential for 1,400 additional jobs and investments to be brought to the riverside.
Minister for employment and investment Tom Arthur described the bridge's opening as a historic moment, stating, "Renfrew Bridge’s opening is a historic moment, and it will be a welcome addition to the Clyde, creating opportunities for communities and businesses on both sides of the river and supporting 1,400 new jobs." Arthur noted that this project fulfills the government's commitment to invest £1.9 billion in Growth Deals, benefiting people across Scotland.
Minister Kirsty McNeill hailed the completion of the Clyde Waterfront and Renfrew Riverside project, which received £39 million from the UK Government. She remarked, "Completion of Clyde Waterfront and Renfrew Riverside project is great news for communities who can now enjoy a new bridge over the River Clyde to Yoker, a regenerated riverside and additional roads, cycling and walking routes."
McNeill added that these enhancements are expected to attract further private sector investment and create more than a thousand jobs on both sides of the Clyde. "This is our Plan for Change in action, working with partners to deliver economic growth and a decade of national renewal," she stated.
The bridge is designed to facilitate travel for vehicles, cyclists, and pedestrians, and improve transport links to the nearby Advanced Manufacturing Innovation District (AMIDS), which is adjacent to Glasgow Airport. Architect Tony Kettle, known for his design of the Falkirk Wheel, crafted the concepts for the bridge. Kettle described the bridge as more than just a crossing, saying, "It's a landmark that should become a tourist attraction for the area. It's a fantastic connection between the two banks, and will make the area thrive."
During the opening ceremony, the hundreds in attendance cheered as the two leaves of the bridge met in the middle of the Clyde, symbolizing the connection forged between the two communities. Local schoolchildren walked across the bridge to the sound of pipes, meeting their counterparts from Clydebank at the trestle’s nexus, showcasing the bridge's role in uniting different parts of the region.
Scottish Government Minister for Employment and Investment Tom Arthur added, "We've supported the construction of the bridge through the wider Glasgow City Region Deal, so it's great to see it finally open. This bridge is of huge significance and will offer real benefits to people here in Renfrew and on the other side of the Clyde."
Arthur highlighted the bridge's importance for everyday life, asserting, "It will really help support the community in their everyday lives, whether it's visiting friends or family, going to work, or enjoying hospitality. That is a great thing for the area's economy."
Renfrewshire Council leader Iain Nicolson quipped, "The weather certainly enhances the sense of relief that the project is finally coming to completion. I'm so pleased to see so many people here from Renfrew. It's right that they celebrate the bridge."
As the first-ever opening road bridge across the River Clyde, the Renfrew Bridge is set to become a vital piece of Scotland’s transport network and a testament to the power of infrastructure in shaping the future of local communities. The social and economic impact of the bridge’s construction is a testament to the significant role infrastructure projects play in supporting both local communities and broader economic goals.
