White Cart bridge in Paisley reopens after more than 25 years
A key footbridge across the White Cart has reopened to the public after more than 25 years and will soon form part of a new walking and cycle route from Renfrew to Paisley.
Article Source: Renfrewshire Council
Last Updated: 29 November 2021 12:40
Originally a rolling lift bascule bridge built by Scottish engineer Sir William Arrol, the bridge at Abercorn Street in Paisley had been closed for more than two decades before Renfrewshire Council commissioned works earlier this year to strengthen and refurbish the structure.
Repairs included strengthening of the steelwork, coating with protective paint, new lighting, and landscaping around the entrances to the bridge on Carlile Street and Abercorn Street – with the works carried out by W.I. & A. Gilbert Ltd and overseen by Sweco UK Ltd.
The bridge will form a key part of the Renfrew to Paisley cycle route, planned for construction in 2022, as well as complementing the Clyde Waterfront and Renfrew Riverside project and Glasgow Airport Cycle Route.
The refurbishment of the bridge also precedes £38million of investment from the Levelling Up Fund for the area, which includes a new road bridge over the White Cart, an east-west road linking Renfrew Rd and Love St, and enhance links with Paisley town centre, Glasgow Airport and the Advanced Manufacturing Innovation District Scotland.
Depute Provost Cathy McEwan cut the ribbon to officially re-open the bridge and is looking forward to seeing it being used by the local community.
Councillor McEwan said: “I’m delighted that this bridge has been brought back into use for the community as it gives people a new option for crossing the river on foot or by bike.
“It’s been out of commission for far too long and credit must go to the team for completing the project to restore it.
“We want to encourage people to use active travel methods wherever possible as we seek to reduce emissions, tackle climate change and encourage healthier lifestyles.
“We know we need to provide the infrastructure to support people to do this and this bridge will be part of a new cycle route connecting the town centres of Renfrew and Paisley set to be built next year – one of many active travel projects that the Council is taking forward for the benefit of people in Renfrewshire.”
Sustrans Scotland part funded the project as they aim to make it easier for people to walk, wheel and cycle as part of their vision to create a society where the way we travel creates healthier places and happier lives for everyone.
Tim Aeberli, Infrastructure Coordinator for Sustrans Scotland, said: “We are delighted to see the reopening of the White Cart Footbridge to the public after three years of planning and construction works.
“Places for Everyone has worked in collaboration with Renfrewshire Council and Sweco to provide a new strategic walking, cycling and wheeling link over the White Cart river.
“In addition, residents can now enjoy a new enhanced public space providing new benches, bike parking, trees and flowers.”
The project was jointly funded by SPT as part of their support for active travel.
SPT Vice Chair Councillor David Wilson said: “SPT is pleased to have been able to give funding support to Renfrewshire Council for the refurbishment of the White Cart Footbridge.
“Having been closed for many years, we are delighted to see the bridge now brought back into use, and we recognise the benefits the reopening will bring for wheeling, walking and cycling trips linking local and wider communities”
Sponsored Links
Latest Renfrewshire News
Aldi to gift year supply of free beer to biggest beer lover in Scotland
Aldi Scotland is on the hunt for the nation's biggest beer lover, as it revamps its popular Best Home Bar Competition by expanding the criteria.
READ MORE
Milestone year for Refugee Festival Scotland
Refugee Festival Scotland has officially unveiled the programme for its highly anticipated 2025 edition, running from 13 – 22 June.
READ MORE
Aldi Scottish Sport Fund offers Glasgow and West of Scotland clubs the chance to access funding
Aldi's Scottish Sport Fund 2025 has returned for its tenth year, giving local sports clubs in Glasgow and the West of Scotland the opportunity to receive a share of £50,000 in funding.
READ MORE
Join the luau at Renfrew Gala Day
Aloha! It's time for a day of tropical fun at this year's Renfrew Gala Day!
READ MORE
Active travel route opens connecting Paisley town centre to Renfrew, Clydebank and Yoker
A new walking and cycling route between Paisley and Renfrew has been officially opened and provides an active travel link between the two town centres for the first time in decades.
READ MORE
Vue to host marvellous superhero season welcoming classic X Men films back to the big screen for 25th anniversary
Film fans, families and comic book enthusiasts are invited to rediscover the original big screen superhero team as a series of classic X-Men films return to the big screen at Vue this month.
READ MORE
Kids Fly FareFREE on new Loganair routes
Families can take advantage of Loganair's new Kids Fly Fare-FREE offer, allowing children aged 11 and under to travel without paying an airfare.
READ MORE
Braehead Shopping Centre set to open FIRST MINISO store in Glasgow
Braehead Shopping Centre, part of SGS Group, is pleased to announce the upcoming opening of internationally renowned pop culture retailer, MINISO!
READ MORE
Lorraine Kelly meets the Loch Ness Monster Milker delivering Nessie Nectar across the UK
IRN-BRU XTRA has launched a custom milk float delivery service bringing limited-edition Nessie Nectar straight from the shores of Loch Ness to doors across the UK.
READ MORE
Safety and family time driving surge in adult swim lessons
Scottish adults are being encouraged to learn to swim this summer to boost water safety skills for the whole family.
READ MORE
New documentary tells the story of world record breaking Scottish brothers
A new documentary - now live on STV Player - tells the story of the Maclean Brothers and their self-confessed “piss poor” preparations the ocean adventure that lay ahead.
READ MORE
David Attenborough and Eurovision steal the spotlight at Vue venues in Scotland this month
Audiences are invited to travel the globe - both musically and visually - this May, as both David Attenborough and Eurovision head to the big screen at Vue venues across Scotland.
READ MORE
The Royal Yacht Britannia Exhibition and Retail Experience are shipshape and ready to welcome visitors
2025 marks the next chapter in The Royal Yacht Britannia Trust’s legacy with the opening of a brand-new, world-class visitor centre with exhibition and retail experience.
READ MORE
Pavilion Festival rounds off biggest event yet with Happy Mondays and STREETrave Classical
Pavilion Festival has rounded off its biggest ever event with over 16,000 music fans enjoying three days of non-stop live music and feel good vibes on Ayr’s iconic Low Green.
READ MORE
Cineworld announces first ever 4DX Family Day
For one day only, families can experience Moana, Paddington, and Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone in immersive 4DX at all 34 Cineworld 4DX screens nationwide.
READ MORE
Brand new show Something About Lennon opens UK tour this month with Scottish dates
Celebration of the iconic late Beatle's life and music will be performed at 26 venues nationwide.
READ MORE
Celebrate Fathers Day in Style with Dobbies Sunday Lunch and Planting Experience
This June, Dobbies Garden Centres is presenting a brand-new way to celebrate Father’s Day, combining a hearty Sunday roast with a hands-on grow-your-own herb planting workshop.
READ MORE
Blue Light Awards Scotland to honour emergency services heroes
Nominations for the Blue Light Awards Scotland, recognising the courage, commitment and community spirit of our Blue Light Services, are now open.
READ MORE
Funding awarded to seven projects for tree planting in cities and towns across Scotland
The Urban Forestry Programme is supporting projects in urban areas to help more people experience the benefits of trees.
READ MORE
Rory McIlroy Confirmed for Genesis Scottish Open
Newly-crowned Masters Tournament champion Rory McIlroy is set to compete for a second Genesis Scottish Open title!
READ MORE
Holding Back The Years: 40 Years of Simply Red in cinemas May 15
To celebrate 40 years of legendary music, Simply Red are releasing their concert film 'Holding Back the Years: 40 Years of Simply Red, Live in Santiago' on the big screen.
READ MORE
This May bank holiday weekend sees 3 day festival take over Ayr Beach and the sun is set to shine!
Pavilion Festival 2025: From Big Top, live music to secret gigs - here's what to expect!
READ MORE
Fun for all the family at the 36th annual Scottish Game Fair
The Game & Wildlife Conservation Trust (GWCT) Scottish Game Fair is back for its 36th year at Scone Palace, taking place 4th - 6th July 2025.
READ MORE
Free Glorious Grass gardening workshop for children at Dobbies
Dobbies Garden Centres are welcoming children across the UK to join in on the fun this May to uncover all there is to know about grass at its free Little Seedlings Club workshop.
READ MORE
Top line up delivers another blockbuster Paisley Book Festival
A legendary author, celebrity chefs and musical heroes helped to write a fantastic new chapter for Paisley Book Festival.
READ MORE
Thousands attend double helping of Paisley Food and Drink Festival 2025
Paisley Food and Drink Festival saw thousands of people turn out to enjoy a fantastic range of street food and entertainment over the weekend.
READ MORE
New Bluey collection comes to cinemas for the May Bank Holiday
Bluey at the Cinema: Let's Play Chef Collection will be playing in cinemas across the UK and Ireland from Saturday 3rd May, just in time for the Early May Bank Holiday weekend.
READ MORE
Malaysian Scottish chef to give Paisley Book Festival audience Sama more recipes to bring people together
Renowned Glasgow restaurant co-founder to discuss new book and influences as she appears alongside The Hebridean Baker, Pam Brunton and Katie Goh.
READ MORE
ACCORD Hospice Art Exhibition to open on 1st May
This year's ACCORD Hospice Annual Art Exhibition will be opened by Lord Provost of Paisley, Councillor Lorraine Cameron, on Thursday 1st May at 4pm.
READ MORE
New and exclusive Heritage Planting and Afternoon Tea experience comes to Dobbies
Dobbies Garden Centres is hosting a new hands-on planting and afternoon tea experience inspired by the RHS Chelsea Garden Show and Dobbies' 160-year heritage.
READ MORESponsored Links
Sponsored Links