THREE international engineering teams are in the running to build the first opening road bridge over the River Clyde.
The firms have been behind major ventures like the Salford Media City Swing Bridge, the Samuel Beckett Bridge in Dublin, Tappan Zee Bridge in the US and the Queensferry Crossing.
The new bridge connecting Renfrew to Clydebank and Yoker will bring hundreds of construction jobs and forms the centre-piece of a major infrastructure project to transform the Clyde waterfront.
It is jointly funded by the UK and Scottish Governments through the Glasgow City Region City Deal, the £90.7 million Clyde Waterfront and Renfrew Riverside project includes a 184-metre, twin-leaf cable-stayed swing bridge for vehicles, cyclists and pedestrians and opening horizontally for passing vessel.
READ MORE: River Clyde waterfront project approved by Scottish Government
Renfrewshire Council has now invited three bidders: ARC, a joint venture of Roadbridge and American Bridge supported by COWI as design partner, whose previous projects include the construction of the iconic Queensferry Crossing and the Tappan Zee Bridge over New York’s Hudson River;
A Balfour Beatty team, comprising Cleveland Bridge, Qualter Hall and consultants Atkins. They have delivered the Media City Swing Bridge and are currently replacing the Surf City Swing Bridge in North Carolina;
Construction and civil engineering company Graham, working with Hollandia and Ramboll. Graham and Hollandia were both involved in the construction of the Samuel Beckett Bridge in Dublin whilst Ramboll led the design joint venture of the Queensferry Crossing.
READ MORE: Falkirk Wheel architect reveals shipbuilding inspired design for new bridge
Iain Nicolson, Renfrewshire Council leader, said: “This project will transform the Clyde waterfront and connect communities on both sides of the river, improving access to jobs, education, hospitals and leisure pursuits.”
Michael Matheson, Scottish Government Infrastructure Secretary, said that “the project will open up access to new opportunities around the River Clyde and help further spread the benefits of our investment made in other key infrastructure locally,” like the upcoming National Manufacturing Institute Scotland.
Alister Jack, UK Government Scottish Secretary, said that “this particular crossing will make a huge difference to the Clyde waterfront”.
Engineers Sweco worked with Kettle Collective - the architects behind the Falkirk Wheel - to draw up initial designs.
Bob Grant, chief executive of Renfrewshire Chamber of Commerce, said: “This is a hugely exciting project which will bolster business growth along the Clyde, adding to the significant job opportunities coming to the manufacturing innovation district being developed next to Glasgow Airport.
“I would urge local businesses to ensure they are registered on Public Contracts Scotland as this is where sub-contractor opportunities will be published."
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