Glasgow City Centre: Saltmarket bridge improvement work

A £3.8 million investment on the rail bridge spanning the A8 at Saltmarket, near Glasgow Cross.

A £3.8 million investment on the rail bridge at Saltmarket, near Glasgow Cross

We'll carry out vital metalwork repair work before removing the old paint and rust and then priming and re-painting the bridge.

From August 2022, Network Rail and our supply chain partner Story begin work to refurbish the rail bridge spanning the A8 at Saltmarket, near Glasgow Cross.

The wrought-iron structure on the City Union Line is more than 150-years old and provides a diversionary route for freight traffic and also passenger trains to Shields Depot where they are stabled and cleaned.

The 12-month programme, from August 15 until September 2023, includes essential repairs to extend the lifespan of the bridge as part of our commitment to running a safe and reliable railway.

Project Timeline

15 August to 19 August 2022 : Set up of site compound at Clyde Street.
20 August to 19 September 2022: Installation of scaffolding and carry out of metalwork repairs
19 September to 2 December 2022: Single closure at outer northbound to allow encapsulation of the bridge, followed by grit blasting, painting and masonry repairs.
09 January to 04 May 2023: Single lane closure of outer southbound for erection of scaffold to allow encapsulation, followed by grit blasting, metalwork repairs, painting and masonry repairs.
08 May - 30 August 2023: Middle lane closure north and southbound – erection of scaffold and encapsulation, grit blasting, metalwork repairs and painting.

Why?

The work is designed to protect and extend the lifespan of the bridge. It's part of a wider, rolling programme of maintenance aimed at keeping the network safe and reliable.

When complete, the works carried out will mean the bridge is stronger, meets current safety standards and will not require repainting for up to two decades.

What will change?

We’re investing £3.8 million on carrying out essential steelwork repair work before removing the old paint and rust and then priming and re-painting the bridge.

This will address the breakdown of general paintwork and other issues throughout the wrought iron structure.

Tasks

Set-up of site compound includes installation of temporary offices and welfare facilities.
Erection of scaffolding includes the use of hand and power tools.
Encapsulation of the bridge structure.
Metalwork repairs includes the use of temporary lighting, generators, compressors, rivet busting and hand tools.
Grit blasting includes the use of blasting equipment powered by air fed compressors.
Painting the bridge involves the use of temporary lighting, generators, and equipment powered by air fed compressors.