Network Rail completes £1.5m renovation of 140-year-old city centre bridge in Glasgow city centre

Network Rail has completed a £1.5m project to repair and repaint a 140-year-old railway bridge in Glasgow city centre.

The works, part of a wider programme to repair bridges near Glasgow Central station, started on the Salkeld Street bridge and were officially completed in March.

Engineers completed rivet busting, which involves the removal and replacement of the rivets that hold the steel in place, as well as steelwork repairs and painting.

Ballast retention work was also undertaken, which saw measures put in place to stop ballast – the stone which holds the rails in place – escaping and falling from the structure.

Salkeld Street bridge before Network Rail via Supplied

Salkeld Street bridge following it's restoration. — Salkeld Street bridge following it’s restoration. Network Rail via Supplied

Once the repairs were complete, both bridges were partially repainted to refresh their appearance.

Christina Thomson, scheme project manager at Network Rail, said: “The bridges form part of key routes in and out of Glasgow, including the West Coast Main Line, so it’s important we do all we can to ensure their longevity. Not only has the work significantly improved their appearance, but it has extended their lifespan by at least 20 years.

“Maintaining old rail bridges is crucial because it preserves our heritage, reduces environmental impact, and is often more cost-effective than building new structures.

“We know well-maintained bridges can continue to serve their purpose safely and efficiently for many more years.”

The project forms part of a wide-ranging bridge modernisation programme designed to protect and improve Scotland’s Railway, with nearly £2bn being invested to increase reliability and improve performance over the next five years.