Construction of a new bridge that will connect three North Glasgow communities for the first time in over two hundred years has finally been completed.
For the first time since the waterway's opening in 1790, Stockingfield Bridge will connect the communities of Maryhill, Gilshochill, and Ruchill together.
The bridge, which is a significant piece of national infrastructure, also serves as the final link in the canal towpath, offers a continuous active travel route along the whole length of the canal from Bowling on the Clyde to Edinburgh in the east via the Union Canal.
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The construction phase of the £13.7m landmark active travel bridge across the Forth & Clyde Canal has now concluded and is on track to open in September, completing Scotland's National Walking and Cycling Network through the Lowland Canals.
To mark the occasion, Minister for Zero Carbon Buildings, Active Travel and Tenants' Rights, Patrick Harvie MSP joined two local families today to be the first to cross Stockingfield Bridge and connect the communities.
Key project partners, including representatives from Scottish Canals, Sustrans, Glasgow City Council and Balfour Beatty were also in attendance for the first crossing.
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. This ambitious project will improve local opportunities for active travel as well as offering a continuous route between Bowling and Edinburgh across the wider canal network.
“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.
“I want to see similar transformation in communities across Scotland. That’s why the Scottish Government has now committed to investing at least £320 million, or 10% of the total transport budget on active travel by 2024-25. Through this record investment, we’ll help build a more active nation, where more people enjoy greater opportunities to walk, wheel and cycle for everyday journeys.”
The project, which is being delivered by Scottish Canals with funding from the Scottish Government through Sustrans and the Glasgow City Council’s Vacant Derelict Land Fund, aims to reconnect North Glasgow through the canal towpath.
Not only will it boost active travel alternatives for people in the city, but it can even make us healthier: in 2021, Glasgow Caledonian University published a research that found canalside regeneration projects like Stockingfield Bridge had a favourable impact on public health and can lower the risk of chronic health issues by up to 15%.
Funding has been allocated to support groundwork initiatives along the towpath, including 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 range from sculptures commemorating the area's industrial background to ceramic mosaics created by the community and metalwork honouring the role of disabled people in North Glasgow.
Richard Millar, Chief Operating Officer at Scottish Canals, said "This iconic new structure is a major investment and a symbol of change for North Glasgow, continuing the canal regeneration programme that has unlocked millions of pounds of investment, it completes the city to city and sea to sea Lowland Canal towpath.
"After 10 years of planning, the completion of Stockingfield Bridge in September will enable more people to safely enjoy the health and wellbeing advantages of active travel"
“For the first time, locals will be able to move effortlessly from these three communities to the city centre and the west end, providing 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."
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.”
