New Glasgow bridge over M8 at Sighthill to be named by local pupils and residents

Pupils and residents in the Sighthill area of Glasgow are being asked to help name a new bridge over the M8.

The main span of the new Sighthill bridge was installed over the weekend, with the bridge expected to open in the early months of 2022.

Pupils already using the new Sighthill Community Schools Campus will also be asked for their suggestions to create a sense of local ownership of a new Glasgow landmark.

Both the bridge and the school are part of the £250 million City Region City Deal agreed by the council.

Deputy Leader of Glasgow City Council, David McDonald announced via social media on Monday that the search for a suitable name is now on.

Councillor McDonald visited the overpass before telling the public they could decide on its new name.

And after posting a request on twitter for suggestions, along with a picture of the distinctive structure, followers were quick to provide a few early ideas, including The Rusty Bridge, the Irn Bruidge and the Shoehorn – as well as the obligatory Bridgey McBridge Face suggestion.

He said: “It was great to visit the site of the bridge today following its installation over the weekend.

“The new bridge will deliver new connections and new opportunities for the North of Glasgow but it will also deliver a plethora of new nicknames.

“The Clyde Arc and Tradeston Bridges got nicknames that have stuck and I’m sure this new bridge will be the same.

“Residents of the new Sighthill and pupils at the new school being built as part of this £250 million investment will have suggestions too. That local sense of ownership of the bridge will be important in helping find the perfect name for this new city landmark.”

The main span of the new cyclist, pedestrian and wheeler bridge was installed over the weekend, with a section of the M8 closed while the construction took place.

Part of the transformation of the area in the north of Glasgow, it is the biggest project of its kind in the UK outside of London and will form an active travel route between Sighthill and the city centre.

The installation work for the bridge was carried out by BAM Nuttall on behalf of Glasgow City Council.

Councillor McDonald added: “Members of the public can now get in touch with the city council who will decide the official name. The city region deal will also be part of the naming process.

“I look forward to seeing the new suggestions.”