A crumbling bridge over the White Cart river will be brought back to life after councillors agreed to award a contract for strengthening works today.
The Paisley footbridge – which connects Abercorn Street with Carlile Place – has been closed to the public for almost 25 years after structural issues were identified with it back in 1996.
But elected members on Renfrewshire Council’s finance, resources and customer services board awarded a six-figure contract to W I & A Gilbert Ltd to bring it back into use.
It is hoped the reopening will improve walking and cycling opportunities for Paisley residents and enhance connectivity between Glasgow Airport and the town centre, as the council seeks to encourage more active travel across communities.
Provost Lorraine Cameron, who sits on the finance board, said she has great memories using the bridge as a child and welcomed the effort to revive it.
She said: “I can’t wait to see this bridge fixed up. I have fond memories of my sister and I skipping over it to get to my granny’s house in Moncrieff Street.
“It’s been sad to see it being so neglected and dilapidated over the decades and I’m certain Paisley folk will see this as a positive move.
“It will improve overall connectivity between Paisley town centre and the airport.
“A lot of Paisley historians which will be glad to see this.”
The £363,683 cost of the works will be fully funded by Strathclyde Partnership for Transport (SPT) and Sustrans Ltd.
Council documents state it is anticipated works will begin at the start of next month with completion expected by the end of March.
Councillor Jim Paterson, who represents the area as part of the Renfrew South and Gallowhill ward, added: “I am pleased the contract to undertake work to strengthen the White Cart footbridge was approved today as the work is essential to securing the long-term future of this link.
“It is more important than ever to ensure connectivity between communities is maintained and this work will allow the bridge to once again be open to the public.”
