A giant bridge has finally been swung into place in a night-time operation after the first attempt was plunged into disaster.
It’s taken six months to get the new cycle and footbridge in place over the Black Cart Water in Renfrew.
Workers toiled overnight to avoid aircraft movements and to make sure it was second time lucky for the 100 metre bridge.
Transport bogies first drove it over the existing road bridge.
Then a pair of Mammoet cranes swung it into position, with the action all captured on camera by Graham Maciver, of Studio 27 Productions .
Jane Strang, Scottish Conservative councillor for Renfrew North and Braehead, welcomed the new crossing.
But she questioned why nobody has ever made public what went wrong in November.
The huge structure tumbled and buckled, crushing a van which was fortunately empty.
The incident set the project back six months.
Councillor Strang said: “This bridge is vital to the economic infrastructure of the local economy, so it is welcome that this installation was completed without any incident this time.
“It has been a major setback for the area as this bridge had been left lying on its side.
“It was very fortunate that nobody was injured in the incident last year. However, it remains hugely disappointing that nobody is set to face action over their serious failings.
“While it is positive the Black Cart Bridge is now back in place, the people of Renfrew still need answers over what went wrong in the first place.”
The new bridge weighs 160 tons and is a key element of linking the other side of the river with the Glasgow Airport Investment Area.
All five sections of the stucture had to be removed for inspection and a safety probe after the incident on November 23.
Motherwell civil engineer Wills Bros patched up the damaged structure and replaced some components.
A spokesman for Renfrewshire Council said: “The Glasgow Airport Investment Area site contractor is now taking forward works to prepare the bridge for public use.
“This includes building a permanent bridge deck and approaches to connect it into a new road layout being completed at the junction of the A8 Greenock Road, Abbotsinch Road and Inchinnan Road.
“When it opens to the public later this year, the new bridge will enhance cycling and walking connections between Inchinnan, Renfrew and Paisley and improve active travel at Scotland’s manufacturing innovation district AMIDS.
“The Glasgow Airport Investment Area Project is funded through the Glasgow City Region City Deal and comprises a series of new connections and infrastructure improvements to facilitate development of the manufacturing district. The pedestrian and cycle bridge at the Black Cart is also supported by Sustrans Scotland.”
